Electronic skin has many uses beyond healthcare, including consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunication, retail, aerospace, defense, and others. The key feature of all e-skin applications is the capability for remote monitoring. Future Market Insights (FMI) published a report of its electronic skin market study and opportunity assessment. The FMI study includes global industry analysis from 2013 to 2017 and an opportunity assessment from 2018 to 2028.
Using thin, stretchable membranes with embedded sensors, electronic skin applications monitor external environmental conditions and physiological conditions of the wearer. FMI’s study segments the market by region, component, and application. The analysts estimate which healthcare applications will have the largest market share and the highest growth rates through 2028. According to FMI, three factors in healthcare will continue to drive the demand for wearable applications with electronic skin: changes in diet and lifestyle, chronic diseases and conditions, and population aging. The three factors often overlap. For example, a senior who is attempting to improve his metabolic condition with exercise and better nutrition to reduce his need for diabetes medication ticks all three demand factor boxes. The three elements also influence the demand for applications independently and in pairs.
Electronic skin developments depend on technology advancements in many fields, including stretchable circuits, electro-active polymers, photovoltaics, miniaturization, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and more. FMI’s report breaks down the growth opportunities in each technology area for interested companies and institutions.
