Multifunctional wearable devices towards self-sustaining and intelligent health monitoring via energy autonomy and neuromorphic perception

The rapid proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoTs) and digital medicine has fueled the demand for sustainable, autonomous, and intelligent wearable electronics. Traditional wearable systems are often constrained by the limited lifespan of rigid batteries and the high energy consumption of conventional von Neumann architectures. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent breakthroughs in multifunctional wearable devices, categorized into three synergistic pillars: energy harvesting, neuromorphic perception, and advanced health monitoring. First, we discuss integrated energy harvesting-storage systems (EHSS) that leverage solar, thermal, biochemical, and mechanical energy to achieve self-sustained operation. Second, we highlight the emergence of neuromorphic in-sensor computing, where memristive devices and spiking neurons enable low-power, real-time processing of multimodal stimuli at the sensory site, effectively overcoming the “memory wall”. Finally, we review state-of-the-art wearable photodetectors and sensors for non-invasive monitoring of vital signs, including pulse oximetry, cuffless blood pressure, and continuous glucose tracking. By synthesizing these advancements, we outline the roadmap for next-generation wearables that seamlessly integrate power autonomy, edge intelligence, and clinical-grade diagnostic capabilities. (Figure presented.)