Researchers at Stanford University have developed a smart skin that can be used to print on
The smart skin consists of an electrically sprayeda sensitive network embedded in polyurethane, a strong and elastic material that is used, for example, in the manufacture of wheels for a skateboard. The grid consists of millions of gold-coated silver nanowires that contact each other to form dynamic electrical paths.
How e-skin works. Image: Kyun Kyu “Richard” Kim, Bao Group, Stanford University
The coating is applied directly to the skin withusing a spray like protective sunscreen. It exactly matches the wrinkles and folds on human skin. It is biocompatible, breathable and stays in place until washed off with soap and water. Interaction with a computer is provided using a small Bluetooth module.
As the fingers bend and twistnanowires in the grid are compressed and stretched, changing the electrical conductivity of the grid. These changes can be measured and analyzed to tell us exactly how a hand, finger, or joint moves.
Zhenan Bao, professor of chemical engineering at Stanford and study co-author
The technology uses AI to recognize gestures.The computer monitors the changing parameters and correlates these changes with specific physical movements and gestures. In the experimental prototype, the scientists trained the algorithm to recognize keystrokes on the keyboard. After that, a person was able to print text without using a physical device, just over the air. A similar approach can be used to recognize gestures or identify objects by touch, the authors explain.
According to scientists, the technology does not require largecomputing resources and huge amounts of data. The training scheme uses a minimum amount of data for calculations and quickly adapts to a specific person after a short training.
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