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Wearable human sensors have a common problem: they require power and antennas, all of which can cause bulky devices to affect your behavior. However, researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that is almost imperceptible. Their BodyNet sticker sensor collects electricity and uses an RFID connection to transmit the data to a receiver on nearby clothing, making the sensor itself as comfortable and flexible as an adhesive bandage. It can measure subtle changes in the skin and provide a wealth of data for the body, whether it is your heartbeat, breathing rate or muscle activity.
The antenna proved to be the main challenge. They only need to screen print metal ink on rubber stickers to make the antenna, but as the body moves, its signal may be weakened. Scientists have to develop a novel RFID system that can reliably send signals even if it is constantly changing.
The receiver itself is much larger and uses Bluetooth to send data to the smartphone or PC.
BodyNet is currently limited by the proximity between the sticker and the receiver. For initial intended use, such as tracking heart conditions and sleep disturbances, this is great, but under exercise conditions, if you can’t count on the ideal sensor location, it won’t be very useful. The team can solve this problem by weaving the antenna to the clothing itself.
There are plans beyond that. Researchers have begun to study stickers that can detect body temperature and pressure with sweat, and they hope that one day they can provide a whole-body sensor array that can collect data while avoiding your way. This can improve the quality of life of people with health conditions, not to mention helping athletes track their performance without restricting their movements.
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