Sustainable wearable symbionts

Abstract

The advancement of ubiquitous and wearable computing has transformed how humans interact with their environments, bodies, and technologies. This evolution has enabled the development of devices that integrate seamlessly into everyday life, offering continuous, context-aware support for health, perception, and interaction. This research introduces the concept of electronic symbionts, wearable devices that interact with the human body without relying on independent power supplies or interfaces. Instead, they draw energy and functionality from the host, enabling non-invasive physiological monitoring and bodily awareness. The project reported in this paper leverages printed electronics to develop flexible, biodegradable, and energy-efficient systems that blend with human skin and movement. Through a transdisciplinary collaboration between design and engineering, the Sustainable Wearable Symbionts (SWS) become a new generation of devices that promote environmentally responsible innovation in personal health technologies.