Elastronics - Enabling the Future of Wearable Electronics

ELASTRONICS, Enabling the Future of Wearable Electronics - project develops stretchable/elastic electronics technologies and builds out manufacturing capacity, supply chain and infrastructure into Finland. Elastic electronics enables novel form factors for novel applications opening new global business opportunities.  ELASTRONICS will focus on cost-effective stretchable and ultra-thin Hybrid Printed Electronics to overcome the challenges of current bulky and uncomfortable wearable electronics.

The project will focus on two significant areas of wearable electronics: 

1) Body worn plasters (skin patchable devices, ultra-thin and conformable) 

2) Smart textile (integration of various sensors and electronics on textile).

ELASTRONICS will provide

1. Stretchable electronics technologies suitable for mass manufacturing.
2. Comprehensive understanding of failure mechanics, testing methods, and practical ways to improve the reliability.
3. Design and manufacturing guidelines.
4. Manufacturing value chain for stretchable/soft electronics including assembly of thin circuits.

The ELASTRONICS consortium, including partners covering the full vertical value chain, is at the precipice of launching such an enabling leap: the possibility for unobtrusive, anytime-anywhere patient monitoring will transform the healthcare sector radically into a more effective and efficient direction. Similarly, the envisioned intriguing products with more facile form factors for comfortable wearability in sports, whether professional or amateur enthusiast, or well-being sector for personal fitness, will be enabled via the novel hardware solutions that comply with the harsh wear-comfort and durability requirements.

Business Finland

Tampere University