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In the past few years, many interesting approaches have been studied and designed to advance the practical implementation of wireless information and power transfer (WIPT) [1] and simultaneous WIPT (SWIPT) [2] , [3] in the contexts of everyday life, academic research, and industry. The ever-growing array of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies presents a tangible answer to the need for modern, densely populated networks of wirelessly connected devices. In this context, node maintenance is a challenging task, given both the enormous size of the networks and the location of the devices, which can be spread across difficult-to-reach areas. In particular, the SWIPT paradigm [4] is being investigated in a wide range of systems for industrial applications combined with emerging technologies typical of the industrial IoT, namely wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that enable unlimited and uninterrupted connectivity in generic commercial environments. The main goal is to continuously monitor key components by using smart sensors that are able to track, in almost real time, rotation, position, speed, temperature, acceleration, and all the other vital parameters of the devices that have to be observed [5] .

Summarization: This article presents European-based contributions for wireless power transmission (WPT), related to applications ranging from future Internet of Things (IoT) and fifth-generation (5G) systems to high-power electric vehicle charging. The contributors are all members of a European consortium on WPT, COST Action IC1301. WPT is the driving technology that will enable the next stage in the current consumer electronics revolution, including batteryless sensors, passive RF identification (RFID), passive wireless sensors, the IoT, and machine-to-machine solutions. The article discusses the latest developments in research by some of the members of this group. Presented on: IEEE Microwave Magazine

ispartof: IEEE Microwave Magazine vol:20 issue:6 pages:10-11 status: published

Wearable devices present an increasingly attractive solution for numerous applications in sectors ranging from the military to medicine to consumer electronics. They will also play an integral role in the imminent fifth-generation (5G) networks, which are expected to operate with higher bit rates and lower outage probabilities in smaller microcells and picocells covering broader areas than fourth-generation (4G) or older technologies. In addition, beam reconfigurability and beamforming are expected to facilitate spectral and energy efficiencies at both the mobile device and base station levels. In overcoming the limitations of current 4G systems, the new features and capabilities envisioned for 5G networks will radically change applications in transportation, health care, smart homes, and wireless robots, among many others [1], [2].

Wearable health-monitoring systems are becoming very popular, especially in enabling the noninvasive diagnosis of vital functions of the human body. Besides typical singular heartbeat or perspiration sensors, which have been commercially available in recent years, the deployment of a series of body-worn sensors can enable an effective health-monitoring mechanism. The combined information obtained from such systems can either be relayed directly to any health-monitoring personnel in the case of emergencies or can be logged and analyzed as a part of preventive health measures. However, the deployment of on-body nodes for humans must be performed with care, as they may interfere with the patients' regular movements. This is especially challenging because the relationship between the electromagnetic waves is influenced by the patient's movements, distance from the nearest base station, operating environment, etc. Additional challenges to the deployment of such mechanisms are also faced in situations where the nodes require additional on-body space, impose additional weight, or are not conformal enough to the patient's body. On the hardware design aspect, the sensory and communication functions on the electronic node have to be designed using special materials to avoid reliability issues or damage due to repeated or intense movements. Finally, and perhaps the most important aspect that needs to be addressed concerning such systems, is their electromagnetic safety level, which is defined by their specific absorption rates (SARs). This article aims to review the latest developments in body-worn wireless health-monitoring systems and their current challenges and limitations and to discuss future trends for such worn devices for these applications.

Welcome to 2019, a year during which we aim to increase the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) member experience, ranging from young professionals to IEEE Life Fellows! Some initiatives to enhance membership value were already advanced at the most recent MTT-S Administrative Committee (AdCom) meeting in October 2018, which was colocated with the 2018 European Microwave Week (EuMW), in Madrid, Spain.