The realization of the thermoregulating function of electronic skin (e-skin) by simulating the human temperature perception system can greatly improve the intelligence of the e-skin. Here, we report a thermoregulating e-skin that fits on the surface of a prosthetic limb based on a hybrid structure consisting of a flexible thermoelectric device and a phase-change heat sink. The hybrid e-skin possesses outstanding temperature adaptability similar to that of the human body; it can maintain the surface temperature at 35 C in environmental temperatures ranging from 10 to 45 C. The power expenditure of the e-skin is essentially the same as the energy required by the human body to regulate temperature and is only 14.22 mW cm À2 in the thermoneutral zone. Thermoregulation based on this e-skin can greatly improve the temperature distribution of the target surface, providing a promising solution for the biomimetic thermoregulation of robots and the next generation of intelligent prostheses.

Fiber-based thermoelectric materials and devices have the characteristics of light-weight, stability, and flexibility, which can be used in wearable electronics, attracting the wide attention of researchers. In this work, we present a review of state-of-the-art fiber-based thermoelectric material fabrication, device assembling, and its potential applications in temperature sensing, thermoelectric generation, and temperature management. In this mini review, we also shine some light on the potential application in the next generation of wearable electronics, and discuss the challenges and opportunities.