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12. Skin Electronics

Research

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Working with more specific electronics that are an extension of the body was quite challenging and yet simple at the same time, as we worked with pre-made, ready-to-use elements such as patches.

But what are Skin Electronics and how do they differ from wearables? Although the two terms can be confused, Wearables can be understood as a category of electronic devices worn as accessories, embedded in clothing, and even tattooed on skin. Wearables incorporate microprocessors and internet connectivity. They have evolved from items such as eyeglasses and wristwatches to advanced devices such as fitness trackers and virtual reality headsets. Their purpose is to facilitate people's daily activities in any field, as well as to assist users in specific tasks.

On the other hand, skin electronics are ultra-thin, flexible, and stretchable devices that are placed on the skin like a tattoo or patch and can be considered an extension of the body to perform specific functions. They work as sensors or actuators, without wires or rigid structures. They are special because of the precision with which they are manufactured and their practicality when worn on the skin. These devices have gained momentum in recent years as they are usually very thin, yet soft and stretchable, like skin, so they do not interfere with movement and can also be powered wirelessly.

Another advantage of these innovations is that they are biocompatible for prolonged use and their application has reached various fields such as:

  • Medicine: For continuous non-invasive monitoring

  • Sports: To measure performance without wristbands or rigid sensors

  • Human-machine interfaces: To control devices with muscle gestures

  • Augmented reality: Displays on the skin

  • Biomedical research, etc.

weekly assignment

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get inspired!

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References & Inspiration

As the main references for this assignment, I found devices that contributed to different areas such as human and environmental health, as well as more recreational, artistic, or innovative ways of creating, such as tattoos, which personally caught my attention.

One project that I found quite interesting and innovative was created by a team led by Jianliang Xiao of the university's Mechanical Engineering wing, the new e-skin makes use of a special polymer called a polyimine that's been doped with silver nanoparticles to improve mechanical strength, chemical stability, and electrical conductivity. The newly-developed thermoset has also been embedded with pressure, temperature, humidity, and air flow sensors.

By slightly heating the electronic skin, it can be shaped to comfortably fit the contours of a human limb or irregular surfaces like a robotic hand by applying a little pressure. But its operational lifespan can be extended by repairing damage, and it can be fully recycled. This is extremely important because it means that these and other devices can be renewed and recycled, avoiding waste.

The importance of these devices often lies in their function, and it is impressive to see how advances contribute to society with clear ideas that help people's health, such as this small patch capable of measuring three parameters at once, one from each sensor: blood pressure, glucose, and either lactate, alcohol, or caffeine. Theoretically, it can detect all of them at the same time, but that would require a different sensor design. The prototype is connected with wires, but researchers are already at work on a new version of the patch with more sensors, shrinking the electronics for the blood pressure sensor and with the goal of making it wireless.

Fabricademy Inspo

Inspiration

One of the projects I took as a reference and inspiration was a wearable device and apparel able to understand the context of each exercise, create personalized workout regimens, and coach you as you exercise—based on your schedule, abilities, and end goal—to maximize the results of each exercise, using a reactive AI-based coaching app. I believe that technology is advancing faster and faster, and we must think carefully about how to use it to benefit the community.

Tools

Process and workflow

NFC

Bassically a NFC tag or sticker means a small but powerful piece of technology designed to enable seamless wireless communication between devices over short distances. These tags are usually embedded in a chip form and can be found in various items, from stickers and cards to smartphones and other smart devices.

Components

First test Nail Sticker

For this first practice, I love Mar´s ideas about the Nial Sticker, i didnt´see him but i think it is really pretty, but for this cade, i wanted to use it as a real tatto.

Second attempt NFC Tools

For this first app i just wanted to linked it to my web site

Third attempt NFC tasks

Then I realized you can create tasks simultaneously and they can execute togheter, not in the same time.

My sketches are ...

For a final project for this assigmente and to keep testing and proving skin electronics I wanted to make a kind of finger lamp that when you close your hand and with the help for a sensor, the light just go on.

TO BE CONTINUED