Israeli and Chinese researchers have successfully developed a type of smart electronic skin that aids in the early detection of certain diseases.
This artificial skin functions as a wearable sensor system. (Image source: sciencemag.org)
This smart skin was developed collaboratively by researchers at the Technion and Kinneret College, in conjunction with researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University and Sun Yat-sen University in China. The research team stated that this artificial skin acts as a wearable sensor system, made from durable, lightweight, and breathable materials.
According to the researchers, this sensor system can accurately detect contraction and twisting movements, which can be used to identify early signs of abnormalities in the respiratory system, movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and more. The device can also expedite the rehabilitation process for accident victims and can be integrated with prosthetic limbs in the form of muscle tissue or skin.
The researchers noted that this artificial skin could also be beneficial in the field of robotics and many other areas. They emphasized: “The materials used to develop electronic skin are very inexpensive, so the sensor devices will not be costly. Affordability is a crucial factor if we want to benefit millions of people worldwide.”
