A team of biochemistry, chemistry and mechanical engineering researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder developed a self-healing "electronic skin," or "e-skin," the university announced Feb. 9.
The translucent e-skin material mimics the functional and mechanical properties of human skin, including the ability to respond to pressure, temperature and humidity through embedded sensors. Using a mix of three compounds in ethanol, the e-skin is also able to heal itself if cut or broken.
The researchers indicated the e-skin has applications related to biomedical devices, prosthetic development and robotics. They noted the thin material enables it to conform to curved surfaces, such as human or robotic arms.
"Let's say you wanted a robot to take care of a baby," suggested Wei Zhang, PhD, an associate professor in the university's department of chemistry and biochemistry. "In that case you would integrate e-skin on the robot fingers that can feel the pressure of the baby."