Flexible wearable medical devices: from material innovations and data processing to intelligent healthcare applications

Core technologies involve carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene), liquid metals (structurally optimized for balanced conductivity and flexibility), and hydrogels (preferred as flexible substrates for mimicking natural soft tissues' mechanics and biocompatibility). Sensing technologies (PPG, EEG, sweat-based detection) enable non-invasive, real-time monitoring of vital parameters like blood pressure, glucose, and neural signals. AI decodes complex physiological data for predictive diagnosis, while IoT/5G integration advances telemedicine. Current limitations include poor sensor flexibility, lagging regulations, and large-scale production hurdles, contrasting with trends like advanced sensing, new materials, and hybrid diagnostic-therapeutic systems-highlighting flexible wearables' potential in intelligent healthcare.