Modular and Reconfigurable Stretchable Electronic Systems

Abstract

Abstract Electronics offering modularity in design and function, i.e., modular electronics have enabled a wide gamut of applications, such as promotion of creativity, self‐assembling robots, and customizable consumer electronics. In particular, there is recently a fertile application domain within the rapidly growing needs in wearable technologies. Toward this application, it is proposed that stretchable, self‐healable, and mechanically tough materials will enable a highly desirable reconfigurable multifunctional and modular platform for wearable electronics. Here, the novel applications of tough self‐healing elastomer are reported to realize skin‐like modular electronics system,, i.e., stretchable, tough, self‐healable, and reconfigurable, in which multiple electronic components are electrically interconnected and can effectively communicate with each other digitally. The fabricated self‐healing conductive lines can also allow for components that can be readily cut, reconfigured, and reconnected by the user.