Skin-Like Sensors Bring Human Touch to Wearables

Researchers have been working to improve wearable technology so that it’s more comfortable for those using it while still offering optimal performance to monitor health- and wellness-related signals from the body. Researchers Xinyu Liu and Binbin Ying from the University of Toronto developed a stretchy, transparent, and self-powering network of sensors called AISkin that they said can be used in wearable electronics, personal health care, and robotics. (Image source: Daria Perevezentsev) Scientists at the University of Toronto have gone one step further with this endeavor and developed a flexible, transparent, and self-powering sensor system that can be worn like a second skin to provide health monitoring. The team—led by Professor Xinyu Liu, an associate professor in the University’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering—developed the skin out of hydrogel materials, dubbing it “AISkin.” The use of material was strategic, as it is non-toxic but also sticks well, leaving no ill effects on human skin, he said. “Since it’s hydrogel, it’s inexpensive and biocompatible--you can put it on the skin without any toxic effects,” Liu said in a press statement. “It’s also very adhesive, and it doesn’t fall off, so there are so many avenues f...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Tags: Design News Source Type: news