Implementation of Six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit on a Stretchable Platform Using “Cut-and-Paste” Method for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Wearable devices that can process and transmit signals from the human body have the potential to provide valuable biometric data for mobile health (mHealth) and human–machine interface (HMI). Among recent advancements in flexible and stretchable electronics, epidermal electronic devices have shown major breakthroughs in wearable device research fields. Epidermal systems, such as tattoo- and patch-type stretchable systems, have conformity to the human skin, which can be deformed with the skin without detachment for fracture. In this paper, the implementation of a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) on a stretchable platform for applications in wearable electronics is presented. The proposed device is implemented using circuit elements on a patchlike substrate to collect accurate data from the human body. To achieve flexible and stretchable characteristics of the device, a serpentine interconnection is adopted between the circuit elements. Instead of a microfabrication process, a low-cost, dry, and freeform “cut-and-paste” method that uses a thin metal sheet and a cutting tool to fabricate complex serpentine interconnections is used to fabricate the substrate. The performance characteristics of the IMU using the proposed method are demonstrated for future application in highly accurate biosensors.