Sticker sensor monitors your body via RFID

There's a common problem with wearable body sensors: They require power and antennas, all of which result in bulky devices that interfere with your behavior. However, researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that is nearly imperceptible. The sticker sensor collects power and uses an RFID connection to transmit data to a receiver on nearby clothing, making the sensor itself as comfortable and flexible as an adhesive bandage. It measures subtle changes in your skin, providing the body with rich data, whether it's your heartbeat, breathing rate or muscle activity.

The antenna proved to be the main challenge. All they had to do was screen-print metallic ink on a rubber sticker to make the antenna, but as the body moved, its signal might weaken. Scientists had to develop a novel RFID system that could reliably send signals despite constant changes.

The receiver itself is much larger and uses Bluetooth to send data to a smartphone or PC.

Currently limited by the proximity between the sticker and the receiver. That's fine for the original intended use, such as tracking heart conditions and sleep disorders, but in athletic conditions it won't be very useful if you can't count on ideal sensor placement. The team could solve this problem by weaving the antenna into the clothing itself.

Beyond that there are plans. Researchers are already working on stickers that can detect body temperature and stress using sweat, and they hope to one day provide a full-body sensor array that can collect data while staying out of your way. This could improve the quality of life for people with health conditions, not to mention helping athletes track their performance without limiting their movements.