12. Skin Electronics¶
Research¶
Human skin is amazing—it protects us, heals fast, stretches, and is incredibly sensitive. Because it does so much, scientists have long tried to create a material that works like real skin.
A team at KAUST in Saudi Arabia developed E-Skin, a new material that copies skin’s strength, elasticity, and sensitivity while collecting real-time biological data. It’s made from a water-rich hydrogel, silica nanoparticles, a titanium carbide sensing layer, and conductive nanowires. This combo makes it super flexible and durable—it can stretch 28 times its size and still work.
The prototype reacts quickly, detects objects from 20 cm away, reads handwriting, and survives thousands of stretches. E-Skin could be used in future prosthetics, medical monitoring, soft robots, and even to check the health of objects like furniture or airplanes.
References & Inspiration¶
NeoTouch is a speculative design project by Christine Wurth that imagines a future brain-computer-interface (BCI) enabling people to feel touch at a distance. The concept explores how digital communication might evolve when touch becomes part of virtual interaction.
The project began with experiments using mechanical and electronic devices to transmit haptic signals between two people. These tests revealed how limited current haptic tech is compared to real human touch, leading Wurth to use Speculative Design to imagine a more advanced future.
NeoTouch is envisioned as a device worn behind the ear, connected wirelessly to nano-electronics in the brain. Instead of stimulating the skin, it directly activates the somatosensory and motor cortex, creating realistic sensations of touching and being touched. Users control interactions through their phones, merging digital and physical experience in a profound way.
The project raises critical questions about privacy, consent, intimacy, and physical safety when digital interactions map directly onto the body. Wurth explored these issues through speculative storytelling, including fictional articles and short films that imagine life 10 years after NeoTouch’s release. These stories highlight potential risks such as social pressure to stay “touch-available,” haptic harassment, and even the possibility of the brain becoming hackable.
Overall, NeoTouch uses design fiction to question how future haptic technologies could reshape relationships, social norms, and the boundaries between body and technology.
Wisp is a collection of erotic wearable devices created by Royal College of Art graduate Wan Tseng, offering a subtle, sensation-focused alternative to traditional sex toys. Instead of emphasizing intensity or orgasm, the devices explore gentle tactile experiences.
The collection includes:
Touch: small circular silicone pads that adhere to the skin and use mini motors to create sensations like light strokes or firmer touches.
Whisper: a device that changes temperature and blows air to mimic the feeling of a lover’s breath.
Air (necklace): a necklace equipped with an air-blower, a speaker, and a fragrance diffuser; it can also play music via Bluetooth.
Pulse (bracelet): a bracelet that monitors the user’s arousal levels and can send discreet messages to a partner.
Tseng developed Wisp after interviewing women with diverse sexual preferences, aiming to create intimate experiences that are more personal, aesthetic, and centered on sensory exploration. She describes the collection as a communication tool with oneself rather than a conventional sex toy.
The project aligns with a broader shift in the sex-toy industry, where products are becoming more sophisticated, artistic, and user-focused. * Two images side-by-side
Tools¶
Process and workflow¶
My sketches are ...
This schematic 1 was obtained by..
This tutorial 2 was created using..
footnote fabrication files
Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.
Code Example¶
Use the three backticks to separate code.
// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
// initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}
// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
delay(1000); // wait for a second
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW); // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
delay(1000); // wait for a second
}
Results¶
Video¶
From Vimeo¶
Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.