Wearable technology has been replacing more traditional tech for a few years now. Your smartphone, fitness tracker and GPS are all been consolidated on single, portable devices like the Apple Watch. But where will wearable technology head to next?
Japanese scientists have been working on an ultra-thin, organic material known as ‘e-skin’ which may literally put technology into your own hands.
Back in 2004 researchers in the U.S and Japan unveiled a thin pressure-sensitive circuit that could be applied directly to the skin. The material was durable, flexible and most importantly comfortable to wear. There was only one problem, because of the delicate nature of the circuitry the entire device would deteriorate when exposed the the elements.
Now a team at the University of Tokyo have developed a unique coating which protects the electronics in the open air, while still being thin enough to remain flexible. The ‘e-skin’ is applied to your skin much like a temporary tattoo, except this tattoo includes a myriad of organic LEDs, flexible transmitters, solar cells and conductive wiring.
While there is yet to be any official announcement that e-skin technology will be used in upcoming devices, the possibilities are vast. Prototypes for projecting your smartphone onto your wrist are in the works, as well as adapting e-skin to monitor your vital signs while exercising and sleeping.
