Polyimide film, printed circuit board,
and electroluminescent pastes
10 x 1 5/8 x 3/4" (25.5 x 4 x 1.9 cm)
Scientists at Fraunhofer, a German
research organization, are experimenting
with applications of smart plastics—
polymers impregnated with electronic
sensors that can monitor body functions
and respond to environmental changes.
The Personal Health Assistant, a sensor-equipped
wristband, has the potential
to be used in a variety of health care and
sports applications, such as detecting
and notifying pacemaker patients
of potentially damaging electronic
interference or warning athletes of
rising body temperature and impending
dehydration. The wristband’s electroluminescent
display automatically exhibits
information. The Personal Health
Assistant combines everyday products
with cost-efficient electronics and
demonstrates the possibilities for
these smart materials in an innovative
biometric system.
