Wearable technology

Engineering

Bandwidth (computing)

Statistics

Stretchable electronics

Materials science

Embedded system

Transformative learning

Pedagogy

Telecommunications

Computer science

Flexible electronics

Nanotechnology

Psychology

Mathematics

Wearable computer

Electronic engineering

Electronics

Printed electronics

Flexibility (engineering)

Electrical engineering

Science Advances

Traditionally, electronics have been designed with static form factors to serve designated purposes. This approach has been an optimal direction for maintaining the overall device performance and reliability for targeted applications. However, electronics capable of changing their shape, flexibility, and stretchability will enable versatile and accommodating systems for more diverse applications. Here, we report design concepts, materials, physics, and manufacturing strategies that enable these reconfigurable electronic systems based on temperature-triggered tuning of mechanical characteristics of device platforms. We applied this technology to create personal electronics with variable stiffness and stretchability, a pressure sensor with tunable bandwidth and sensitivity, and a neural probe that softens upon integration with brain tissue. Together, these types of transformative electronics will substantially broaden the use of electronics for wearable and implantable applications.

Mechanically transformative electronics, sensors, and implantable devices