Implantable wearables, AKA biowearables, represent a major step forward in integrating technology with the human body. These devices operate beneath the skin or within internal tissues to measure vital signs and biochemical signals continuously. Because they function internally, they can capture long-term data without the inconvenience of external sensors (Ometov et al., 2021).
Smart Tattoos are flexible electronic tattoos that use micro-sensors printed on the skin to monitor glucose, lactate, or hydration levels through sweat analysis. Implantable Chips, like Neuralink’s brain-computer interface, aim to interpret neural signals for communication or movement assistance. Ingestible Sensors transmit data about medication adherence or internal conditions such as pH and temperature.
Future biowearables are expected to work closely with advances in regenerative medicine. Researchers are developing smart implants that can not only monitor biological signals but also respond to them. This kind of adaptive system would make healthcare more proactive and personalized, allowing doctors to monitor patients in real time and adjust treatments remotely through telemedicine platforms.
Energy sustainability is a fundamental challenge for wearable devices. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) address this issue by converting biomechanical energy from movement into electricity. The technology relies on the triboelectric effect, where physical contact and separation between materials create electrical charges (Ometov et al., 2021).
When integrated into shoes, clothing, or wristbands, TENGs can capture energy from walking, running, or even the rhythmic motion of breathing. Their design makes them ideal for continuous, body-powered systems. Fan et al. (2021) demonstrated that textile-based TENGs can maintain high durability and energy output even after repeated mechanical stress, suggesting their potential for commercial use.
The next step involves hybrid systems that combine TENGs with solar technologies to enhance energy conversion. Such systems could power biosensors, GPS modules, and even micro-displays without the need for frequent charging.
Wearable suits integrate multiple sensing, processing, and feedback systems into a single, full body framework. These advanced garments measure motion, detect strain, provide haptic feedback, and even enhance human strength through mechanical assistance (Ometov et al., 2021).
In military applications, smart suits serve as exoskeletons or smart uniforms. They monitor physiological and environmental data to improve endurance and decision making. Examples include Lockheed Martin ONYX and Sarcos Guardian XO, both of which reduce muscle fatigue and improve load-carrying capability.
Similar technologies appear in sports science, industrial ergonomics, and physical therapy. The TeslaSuit provides real time biofeedback and haptic sensations for VR simulation and rehabilitation. Yamada et al. (2023) showed that soft robotic exosuits significantly reduce energy expenditure and improve mobility among users with gait impairments.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming the foundation of next-generation wearable devices. Although Ometov et al. (2021) published their study before the widespread adoption of modern AI tools, many of their predictions closely align with current advancements. While sensors collect massive amounts of physiological and behavioral data, AI enables interpretation, prediction, and personalized feedback in real time. By integrating machine learning algorithms, wearable systems can detect anomalies, adapt to user behavior, and even forecast health outcomes (Ometov et al., 2021).
AI-powered wearables can use predictive health analytics by analyzing continuous data streams to detect early warning signs of disease. For example, machine learning models can identify irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest (Ramasamy et al., 2022). Moreover, AI is working towards recognizing mental health and emotional changes by analyzing speech tone, movement, and biometric signals to assess mood or anxiety levels. Future wearables could use these insights for stress management, medical alerts, and interventions.
AI-enabled wearables face challenges in privacy, transparency, and efficiency. As AI models improve, processing data directly on the device will help protect privacy and keep performance fast. The combination of AI with biowearables and self-powered systems like TENGs will make wearables more autonomous, intelligent, and responsive to human needs.