Researchers at Cornell University’s Hybrid Body Lab have launched SkinLink, which is a toolkit that enables the creation of customizable and reconfigurable interfaces that can be placed directly on the skin. This innovation streamlines the process of designing circuits right onto a person’s skin. Unlike older methods that make it hard to modify circuits after they’ve been made, SkinLink allows for real-time adjustments, enabling users to alter the circuit designs while they are still on their skin.
Components of SkinLink
The system is made up of small, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) and stretchy connectors, which makes the circuits light and able to move with the body. This innovative design opens up a range of applications, including biometric sensing and body-centric interactions. For instance, these circuits can be utilized for ongoing health monitoring or for unique wearable designs—think of them as circuit tattoos.
Focus on Comfort and Wearability
A major highlight of SkinLink is its emphasis on wearability. As previously noted, the circuits adapt well to the body's natural movements and contours, ensuring that comfort is not sacrificed. SkinLink incorporates flexible and stretchable materials that are simple to adjust or move during the process of prototyping. This flexibility is especially beneficial for areas like joints or other non-flat body surfaces where movement is frequent—places where traditional circuits are more likely to fail.
Study Results and Applications
A study involving 14 participants has shown that SkinLink is significantly quicker and more versatile than older techniques. Four specific case studies highlighted its potential in areas such as special effects makeup and wearable technology, demonstrating that both novices and professionals can effectively utilize this toolkit.
Hybrid Body Lab (Cornell University Research) via EurekAlert
