Paper-based multifunctional artificial skin could transform medicine, robotics

Photo credit: Aftab Hussain

Thuwal, Saudi Arabia: Researchers in Saudi Arabia have built an affordable multi-sensor artificial skin that is capable of sensing pressure, temperature, humidity, proximity, pH and air flow.

The artificial skin is being created uisng cheap household items including paper and aluminium foil.

The research by the team at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia suggests that it can respond to external stimuli and could have important applications in medicine and robotics.

"Democratization of electronics will be key in the future for its continued growth," said Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, senior author of the research published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies.

"In that regard, a skin-type sensory platform made with recyclable materials only demonstrates the power of human imagination," said Hussain.

"This is the first time a singular platform shows multi-sensory functionalities close to that of natural skin. Additionally they are being read or monitored simultaneously like our own skin," Hussain added.

The flexible, paper-based skin is layered onto a post-it note, with paper, aluminium foil, lint-free wipes, and pencil lines acting as sensing components.

Being made of recyclable materials, this paper skin presents a large number of sensory functions in a cheap and environmentally friendly way.

(With IANS inputs)