The aim of this project is to develop a wearable sensing platform by integrating two emerging technologies: metamaterial sensors and piezoelectric polymers. Moreover, 3D printing techniques will be utilised to fabricate the platform for realizing versatile, cost-effective and personalised devices. The integration of electromagnetic metamaterials and piezoelectric smart materials onto one mechanically flexible platform has not been demonstrated in the literature.

We will research a new approach to combine manipulation and actuation capabilities of piezoelectric layers with wireless and sensitive detection capabilities of electromagnetic metamaterials on a single, 3D-printable and flexible platform in our project. We envisage the successful completion of this project will allow us to adapt this technology for various applications where in situ and continuous monitoring are required.

We intend to extend this technology to various areas, and our short-term goal within the duration of this project is to focus on an advanced wearable platform with wireless sensing and microfluidic manipulation capabilities. This platform will enable us to address three key challenges for future wearable devices: i) wireless and sensitive detection; ii) liquid manipulation and actuation; iii) personalisation.