Review of flexible microelectromechanical system sensors and devices

Today, the vast majority of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors are mechanically rigid and therefore suffer from disadvantages when used in intimately wearable or bio-integrated applications. By applying new engineering strategies, mechanically bendable and stretchable MEMS devices have been successfully demonstrated. This article reviews recent progress in this area, focusing on high-performance flexible devices based on inorganic thin films. We start with the common design and fabrication strategies for flexibility and stretchability, summarize the recent application-oriented flexible devices, and conclude with criteria and opportunities for the future development of flexible MEMS sensors.