Super stretchy, transparent and self-powering, researchers believe that AISkin will lead to advancements in wearable electronics, healthcare and robotics. Source: Daria PerevezentsevEngineers from the University of Toronto have created skin-like sensors that are stretchy, transparent and self-powering.

The artificial skin sensors, called artificial ionic skin (AISkin), are a biocompatible material composed of two sheets of oppositely charged hydrogels. Layering the negative and positive ions creates a “sensing junction” on the surface of the hydrogel. Controlled ion movements occur across that sensing junction when the AISkin experiences strain, temperature changes or humidity. Such movements can be gauged as electrical signals, like current or voltage. As such, the researchers believe that AISkin is not so different from human skin.

Because the material is biocompatible, non-toxic, extremely adhesive and extremely stretchy — it can stretch to 400% of its length without tearing versus human skin which can only stretch to 50% — researchers predict the sensors will find use cases in soft robotics, wearable electronics, healthcare and fitness applications, among others.

For instance, the material could be produced as a skin-like wearable fitness tracker, or as a touchpad that adheres to the palm of a gamer's hand for gaming applications. Likewise, researchers expect it to help in the development of soft robotics and even wound healing applications following enhancements to the material.

The research appears in the journal Materials Horizons.