The field of flexible antennas is witnessing an exponential growth due to the demand for wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) framework, point of care devices, personalized medicine platform, 5G technology, wireless sensor networks, and communication devices with a smaller form factor to name a few. The choice of non-rigid antennas is application specific and depends on the type of substrate, materials used, processing techniques, antenna performance, and the surrounding environment. There are numerous design innovations, new materials and material properties, intriguing fabrication methods, and niche applications. This review article focuses on the need for flexible antennas, materials, and processes used for fabricating the antennas, various material properties influencing antenna performance, and specific biomedical applications accompanied by the design considerations. After a comprehensive treatment of the above-mentioned topics, the article will focus on inherent challenges and future prospects of flexible antennas. Finally, an insight into the application of flexible antenna on future wireless solutions is discussed.

中文翻译：

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柔性天线：回顾。

由于对可穿戴设备、物联网 (IoT) 框架、护理点设备、个性化医疗平台、5G 技术、无线传感器网络和更小外形尺寸的通信设备的需求，柔性天线领域正在呈指数级增长仅举几例。非刚性天线的选择取决于具体应用，并取决于基板类型、使用的材料、加工技术、天线性能和周围环境。有大量的设计创新、新材料和材料特性、有趣的制造方法和利基应用。本文重点讨论了对柔性天线的需求、用于制造天线的材料和工艺、影响天线性能的各种材料特性以及伴随设计考虑的特定生物医学应用。在综合讨论上述主题后，本文将重点讨论柔性天线的固有挑战和未来前景。最后，讨论了柔性天线在未来无线解决方案中的应用。