[DEMO] ASSIST Center: Always-On Wearables: Self-Powered Physiological, Biochemical & Environmental Sensors

Through breakthroughs in energy harvesting, ultra-low-power electronics, low-power health and exposure sensors, and flexible materials, the ASSIST (Advanced Self-powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies) Center is enabling “always-on” self-powered and low-powered wearable devices providing multi-modal sensing. These disruptive systems aim to improve health and wellness through long-term continuous monitoring of personal health and personal environmental exposures. The technologies and systems are also finding applications in domains such as IoT, industrial and automotive sensing, and agriculture. ASSIST has accomplished breakthroughs in multiple areas necessary to realize its vision. The Center’s work in energy harvesting has enabled record levels of energy capture from the human body through heat and motion, and its high-performance hybrid electrochemical supercapacitors store and deliver the harvested energy as needed. ASSIST’s state-of-the-art systems-on-chip, radios, and flexible on-body antennas have lowered power consumption to record low levels. ASSIST’s innovative physiological, biochemical, and environmental sensors are providing access to personal health and environmental data not currently available and driving advances in reliability, accuracy, and specificity. The Center integrates its technologies into flexible materials including textiles; breathable and stretchable circuit substrates; bandages; conformable thermal energy harvesters; and biochemical sampling and sensing platforms. ASSIST brings a strong translational focus to its research. Clinical and industrial partnerships ensure its technologies address real-world use cases. ASSIST’s industry membership program provides members input on direction; reports on all research; access to faculty and students; and licensing priority, among other benefits.