Skin Wearable Technology
Skin wearable technology is developed and applied at TNO. Using fit-for-function printed electronics, stretchable and flexible patches are generated. With bespoke integration of biophysical sensors, continuous measurements are performed on the skin. The collected data is connected to a digital support tool, enabling personalization and human-centric approaches. Images derived from Holst Centre.
TNO is leading innovations for skin wearable technology. Based on >10 years of medical device innovation bridging early technology development to marketed products, we acts on the forefront of accelerating developments for skin wearable technology. These activities are pushing frontiers in the Holst Centre, which is an independent research and innovation center jointly operated by TNO and imec.
Next generation 3D printed electronics
Enable technologies for a next generation of PCBs based on printed electronics unlock easier final product integration and greater design freedom, allowing electronics to conform to form and function rather than the other way around. These technologies deliver a better fit-for-function while reducing material use and process steps, resulting in a lower environmental impact. With scalable, additive manufacturing methods, printed electronics support better volume scalability from prototyping to mass production at lower cost.
Roadmap From Sensing to Therapy
Flexible electronics are a key enabler for smart wound dressings, combining flexible, low‑power circuits, sensors, actuators, ICs, batteries, and wireless communication to continuously support sensing and therapy at the wound site. Through advanced manufacturing, micro‑components can be seamlessly integrated into thin, conformable systems using materials that meet environmental and regulatory requirements. By leveraging data and Edge AI, smart dressings can process data locally for real‑time decision‑making, enabling personalized, responsive wound care with minimal power consumption.
Integration with Personalized Digital Support Tools
Healthcare integration enables digital decision‑support tools that reduce clinician workload while delivering personalized care and improved user compliance. Continuous wound evaluation without removing the dressing provides quantitative data points and individualized trend analysis over time. This data-driven process allows earlier infection identification and more timely, targeted interventions.