Flexible Magnetoelectric Composites and Devices for Wearables and Sensors - A Review

The flourishing and eagerness of wearable electronics, Internet of Things, soft robotics and electronic health monitoring necessitates the growth of flexible devices that can conform to and capture signals from soft and curved structures. Flexible magnetoelectric (ME) devices are emerging as a promising area of research due to their adaptability and integration potential in wearable technologies. While ME devices have a long history, their adaptation into flexible forms represents a new frontier and is attracting significant interest. This review examines the essential components, structural designs, and fabrication methods—such as electrospinning, sputtering, and lamination—tailored for wearable use. It explores major applications, including healthcare, tactile sensing, energy harvesting, and soft robotics, showing the viability of ME technology in enhancing the functionality of wearable devices towards environmental and biological signals. The review also addresses challenges unique to flexible ME devices, such as optimizing ME coupling for soft, adaptable systems and ensuring durability across varied conditions, particularly for long-term use. Finally, the study highlights potential research directions emphasizing the importance of system-level integration, standardized testing protocols, and the creation of biocompatible, high-performance materials. By summarizing current progress and ongoing challenges, this work aims to guide further development of flexible ME devices for next-generation electronics and healthcare solutions.