Flexible piezoelectric materials and strain sensors for wearable electronics and artificial intelligence applications

Abstract

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the applications of flexible piezoelectric sensors in health monitoring and human–machine interaction have attracted increasing attention. Recent advances in flexible materials and fabrication technologies have promoted practical applications of wearable devices, enabling their assembly in various forms such as ultra-thin films, electronic skins and electronic tattoos. These piezoelectric sensors meet the requirements of high integration, miniaturization and low power consumption, while simultaneously maintaining their unique sensing performance advantages. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research studies on enhanced wearable piezoelectric sensors. Promising piezoelectric polymer materials are highlighted, including polyvinylidene fluoride and conductive hydrogels. Material engineering strategies for improving sensitivity, cycle life, biocompatibility, and processability are summarized and discussed focusing on filler doping, fabrication techniques optimization, and microstructure engineering. Additionally, this review presents representative application cases of smart piezoelectric sensors in health monitoring and human–machine interaction. Finally, critical challenges and promising principles concerning advanced manufacture, biological safety and function integration are discussed to shed light on future directions in the field of piezoelectrics.