
A stretchy device built into clothing could power your devices and recognise you, according to a paper released by researchers at South Korea’s Dongguk University.
It is described as a “gel polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that generates electrical signals from body movement to power electronics like LEDs and functions as a self-powered touch panel for user identification”.
The device can stretch up to 375 per cent of its original size and “withstand rigorous mechanical deformations”, making it suitable for wearable applications.
“From smartwatches, and fitness trackers to medical sensors that can be worn on the body, wearables are transforming the way we interact with technology,” the paper said.
“As their popularity grows, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that convert mechanical energy such as body movement to electrical energy offer a solution to power these devices without relying on batteries.”

Most TENGs used in wearable applications incorporate a triboelectric material attached to an electrode that conducts current, researchers said.
“However, one of the challenges has been finding flexible electrode materials that can move seamlessly with the human body.”
The research team was led by the university’s Professor Jung Inn Sohn.
The gel polymer electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (GPE-TENG) is stretchable, semi-transparent and durable, the paper stated, “making it suitable for wearable sensor applications”.
In tests, the device stretched up to 375 per cent of its original size “without damage and could withstand two months of bending, twisting, folding, and stretching without any signs of delamination or loss of electrical performance”.
The university said the proposed GPE-TENG could enable wearable devices that track joint activity for rehabilitation purposes or act as a biometric system in clothing, allowing users to unlock smart doors or lockers.
“This work could revolutionise wearable technology by developing sustainable and flexible electronic devices with promising applications in human healthcare, rehabilitation, security systems, and secure biometric authentication systems,” said Sohn.