12. Skin Electronics¶
Research¶
Skin electronics explore the integration of soft, flexible, and body-safe electronic components directly onto the skin or close to the body. These systems commonly use temporary tattoo circuits, conductive inks, silicone substrates, flexible PCBs, and wearable sensors. The goal is to create electronics that feel natural, stretch with the skin, and provide interaction without traditional rigid hardware.
They are used in applications such as:
Health monitoring (heart rate, hydration, movement sensors)
Interactive performance (light-reactive tattoos, gesture control)
Fashion and body art
Soft robotics and prosthetics
Researchers in this field focus on material softness, biocompatibility, sensor accuracy, and user comfort. Different fabrication techniques include screen-printing conductive inks, laser cutting circuits, vinyl cutting, flexible microcontrollers, and temporary tattoo substrates.
Skin electronics push the boundaries of how technology blends into daily life, enhancing personal expression, healthcare, and interactivity.
References & Inspiration¶
Tools AND workflow¶
1️⃣ Tools & Materials Needed Electronics
1.Arduino Uno or Arduino Nano
2.MPU-6050 sensor module
3.3 × LEDs (any color)
4.3 × 220Ω resistors
5.Breadboard
6.Jumper wires
7.USB cable
8.Software
9.Arduino IDE
“MPU6050” library (installed from Library Manager)
2️⃣Hardware Setup (Wiring Diagram)¶
A. MPU-6050 → Arduino¶
MPU-6050 Arduino¶
VCC → 5V GND → GND SCL → A5 SDA → A4
B. LED Connections¶
LED1 (+) → D2 through 220Ω resistor LED2 (+) → D3 through 220Ω resistor LED3 (+) → D4 through 220Ω resistor All LED (-) → GND Software Setup
3️⃣Open Arduino IDE¶
I Install MPU-6050 library: Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries → Search “MPU6050” → Install
I Connect TO Arduino using USB
Select:
Board: Arduino Nano
Port: I USE COM3 AS MY POT
4️⃣ Code¶
MPU6050 mpu;
int ledX = 2; int ledY = 3; int ledZ = 4;
void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); Wire.begin(); mpu.initialize();
pinMode(ledX, OUTPUT); pinMode(ledY, OUTPUT); pinMode(ledZ, OUTPUT); }
void loop() { int16_t ax, ay, az, gx, gy, gz;
mpu.getMotion6(&ax, &ay, &az, &gx, &gy, &gz);
// LED1 - X axis tilt if (ax > 2000) digitalWrite(ledX, HIGH); else digitalWrite(ledX, LOW);
// LED2 - Y axis tilt if (ay > 2000) digitalWrite(ledY, HIGH); else digitalWrite(ledY, LOW);
// LED3 - detect shake if (abs(gx) > 15000 || abs(gy) > 15000 || abs(gz) > 15000) { digitalWrite(ledZ, HIGH); delay(200); } else digitalWrite(ledZ, LOW);
delay(50); }
5️⃣Uploading & Debugging¶
Steps:
Click ✔ Verify
Click ➡ Upload
Open Serial Monitor at 9600 baud
Move the MPU-6050 and watch the values change
Adjust threshold values if LEDs trigger too fast or slow
6️⃣Testing & Calibration¶
Test 1 – X-Axis Tilt (Left/Right)
Tilt sensor LEFT or RIGHT → LED1 (D2) turns ON
Test 2 – Y-Axis Tilt (Forward/Back)
Tilt sensor FORWARD or BACK → LED2 (D3) turns ON
Test 3 – Shake Detection
Shake sensor quickly → LED3 (D4) BLINKS
Results¶
