On April 11th Professor Ramses V. Martinez Will Discuss Scalable Manufacturing of Self-Powered Smart Wearables

Professor Ramses V. Martinez of Purdue University will present cutting-edge strategies for the scalable manufacturing of intelligent, self-powered wearable systems. His talk will highlight the development of three innovative technologies aimed at enhancing human well-being and safety through materials-driven engineering.

First, he will introduce disposable smart diapers (DSDs), wearable platforms capable of monitoring hydration, glucose levels, and urinary tract infections in real-time, transforming passive hygiene products into diagnostic tools for vulnerable populations. Next, he will discuss triboelectric–piezoelectric edible food sensors (TEFS), battery-free devices designed for the early wireless detection of food spoilage gases, which enable real-time monitoring directly on packaging or food surfaces using safe, biodegradable materials. Lastly, he will present a scalable fabrication method for creating waterproof, breathable, and antibacterial self-powered e-textiles. These omniphobic triboelectric textiles harvest biomechanical energy from human motion to power wearable electronics, while remaining washable, durable, and compatible with mass production.

Together, these wearable technologies represent a paradigm shift toward the production of accessible, eco-friendly, and multifunctional smart devices that redefine how we interact with food, garments, and healthcare diagnostics.

Ramses V. Martinez is an Associate Professor in the Schools of Industrial Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University. His research group, The FlexiLab, explores the intersection of materials science, soft robotics, and scalable manufacturing to create transformative technologies for health and sustainability.