OLED(organic light-emitting diode) materials emit light from their surfaces, while LED chips are single-point sources of light. OLED has yet to develop into a common light source, and manufacturing costs have been a hurdle. Flexible OLeds have long promised new lighting opportunities because they can be woven into fabrics for buildings, furniture, clothing and a variety of materials.

South Korean researchers have also recently developed an "OLED patch" that attaches to the skin, using an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) source that targets damaged areas to help heal wounds, foreign media reported.

In addition to OLED research and development in the health field, lighting giant Osram is pushing infrared LED chips to be used as health monitors in watches and fitness equipment, as well as for facial recognition in safety applications.