Wearable patches – small electronic devices that are affixed to the skin like a patch

23-Dec-16

Wearable patches – small electronic devices that are affixed to the skin like a patch has been highlighted at the stand of Covestro at K 2016.
Wearables are booming – forecast to double in size in the coming three years from currently 200 million units annually. Wristables, i.e. smart watches or sports trackers, are the most common wearables today. Going forward, Covestro expects wearable patches to take off, as they’re flat, flexible and non-invasive. Market affordability and user acceptance are the main challenges.

Covestro is positioned at the forefront of this development, addressing these unmet needs. Leveraging its long experience in the medical industry with regard to patient’s comfort and converter processing efficiency (speed, flexibility and cost), Covestro enables wearable patch development with its know-how and roll-stock thermoplastic materials.

A working prototype of the smart patch is packed with sensors, measuring humidity, temperature, e.g. discomfort-index or heat-stroke alarm, furthermore geo-magnetics, acceleration, pressure, e.g. fall-down alarm, environmental stress meter, and UV/ambient light.
With a growing population, longer life expectancy, and the rise of the middle class, patches will become more important for medical diagnostics and treatments.