Producing streamlined devices to measure a number of medical biometrics and creating modern and efficient wearable products are some of the latest achievable possibilities with printed electronics. With many companies having exhibited at LOPEC 2026 where IDTechEx recently attended, the broadening landscape of exciting new technologies, both developmental and commercialised, is becoming evident.
The role of printed electronics within the medical and wearables sectors in particular is increasingly notable, as variables including heart rate and rhythm, temperature, and glucose levels, to name just a few, can all be measured discreetly with streamlined patches. IDTechEx's portfolios of Printed & Flexible Electronics Research Reports and Wearable Technology Research Reports are home to some of the latest research within the sectors.
Established and emerging medical applications for printed electronics
Companies like Beneli work to create products right from an initial design and offer services throughout the entire value chain. With the use of 2D printed electronics, extremely thin sensing technology can be printed onto transparent, thin, and stretchy fabric, to comfortably conform to the body. ECG monitors and glucose monitoring patches in particular could help to make remote patient monitoring more accessible, while their discreet and streamlined form factor will make them less noticeable and more appealing to use. The Nighthawk patch presented by research institute, Holst Centre, aims to provide ECG results at an even higher level, using electrode technology. IDTechEx's report, "Printed and Flexible Sensors 2024-2034: Technologies, Players, Markets", covers applications both in development and entering the commercial market.
Holst Centre at LOPEC 2026. Source: IDTechEx.
Beneli also demonstrated a brain scanning technology printed on a stretchable, adhesive substrate. IDTechEx's report, "Brain Computer Interfaces 2025-2045: Technologies, Players, Forecasts", explores the emergence of brain scanning technologies, including MEG helmets, that can take readings while people are able to move and interact instead of simply lying still with no external stimuli to engage with. In such settings, results with can be achieved with higher comfort levels for patient, while scans taken during daily activities could potentially provide more accurate, contextualized results.
Staying within the medical field, ostomy sensors were one of Witte Technology's exhibits, which are designed to detect leaks after an operation. Similarly, Biotronis are working to develop printed sensors that could one day be implanted inside the body to detect potential risks after anastomosis surgery; a procedure which they reported 2.7 billion euros is spent on in Germany yearly.
Witte Technology at LOPEC 2026. Source: IDTechEx.
Materials for medical and wearable printed electronics
The LOPEC exhibition showcased the importance of recognition for the materials allowing such products to exist. Henkel is a company which provided examples of a multitude of medical devices made possible with their conductive ink technology. Covid test strips and adult diapers with sensors to detect moisture are two products produced with Henkel's conductive ink technology, which they had out on display during their exhibition. In the wearable technology market, flexible heated clothing is one application using Henkel's conductive inks, such as jackets and coats for military personnel in cold environments.
Henkel at LOPEC 2026. Source: IDTechEx.
IDTechEx's report, "Wearable Sensors Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Trends, Players, Forecasts", covers the space where sensing technology meets actual wearable products for levelled-up comfort and accurate health insights. Piezoelectric pressure sensors within shoe insoles are an up-and-coming technology deployed to monitor movement and give step feedback to indicate potential issues with foot positioning. VFP Ink Technologies and Hochuen Tech were two companies to exhibit this technology during LOPEC 2026, highlighting benefits for people with diabetes in particular.
For more information on the latest printed electronic and medical wearable technologies, visit IDTechEx's portfolios of Printed & Flexible Electronics Research Reports and Wearable Technology Research Reports.
