Recent Advances in Interactive Mechanosensory Electronics with Luminescence/Coloration Outputs for Wearable Applications

Abstract

Flexible electronic devices with mechanosensory functionality are regarded as key enablers toward versatile wearable applications, such as electronic skin, personal healthcare, and human–machine interfaces. Recently, biomimicry of the visual stimuli expression of biological skins has provided great inspiration for realizing novel interactive mechanosensory systems with advanced responsive visualization as well as electrical performances. Herein, recent advances in interactive mechanosensory electronics with luminescence and coloration outputs regarding wearable applications are reviewed. Drawing on luminescence/coloration mechanisms, a series of optical components are briefly described, which include electroluminescence (EL), mechanoluminescence (ML), photoluminescence (PL), triboelectrification-induced EL (TIEL), electrochromic (EC), thermochromic (TC), and mechanochromic (MC) components. Furthermore, different types of interactive mechanosensory electronics based on varying optical elements are outlined, focusing primarily on their structural designs and versatile applications in wearable electronics. Finally, the main challenges and perspectives are proposed for the future development of these emerging devices.