Government of Karnataka

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education

VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

"JNANA SANGAMA", BELAGAVI-590018

Technical seminar report on

“FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC SKIN”

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of

Bachelor Degree

In
Electronics and Communication Engineering

Submitted By

POOJA G L[4HG21EC414]

Under the Guidance

Prof. Veerabadraswamy K M B.E., MTech

Assistant Professor

Department of Electronics and communication Engineering

Government Engineering College
Mosalehosahalli, Hassan-573212
2023-24
 VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
"JNANA SANGAMA", BELAGAVI- 590018

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE

MOSALEHOSAHALLI, Hassan-573212

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the technical seminar on “FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC

SKIN” is presented by POOJA G L(4HG21EC414), the bonafide student of
Government Engineering College, Mosalehosahalli, Hassan-573212 in partial
fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in Department of Electronics
and Communication Engineering of the Visvesvaraya Technological
University, Belagavi, during the year 2023-24.
It is certified that all the corrections/suggestions indicated for internal assessment
have been incorporated in the report. The Technical seminar report has been
approved as it satisfies the academic requirements prescribed for the said degree.

Prof. Veerabadraswamy K M Prof. Krishnananda L Dr. T Rangaswamy

Guide HOD Principal
DECLARARTION

I POOJA G L [4HG21EC414] student of 8th semester B.E, E&CE, Government

Engineering College, Mosalehosahalli, hereby declare that thsse technical
seminar entitled “FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC SKIN” has been carried out by
me, under the supervision of Prof. Veerabadraswamy K M Assiatant Professor
Dept. E&CE, GEC, M.H.Halli submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of Electronics and Communication
Engineering by the Visvesvaraya Technological University during the academic
year 2023-24.

BY:
POOJA G L
[4HG21EC414]
 ABSTRACT

Inspired by Human skin an Electronic Skin is created by artificial means used for
autonomous intelligent robots and biometric prosthetics, among other applications. The
development of electronic networks comprised of flexible, stretchable, and robust devices
that are compatible with large-area implementation and integrated with multiple
functionalities is a testament to the progress in developing an electronic skin to human skin.
Human skin is an important organ. It consists of an integrated, stretchable network of sensors
that relay information about tactile and thermal stimuli to the brain, allowing us to move the
organs within our environment safely and effectively. E-skins are already capable of
providing augmented performance over their organic counterpart, both in superior spatial
resolution and thermal sensitivity. They could be further improved through the incorporation
of additional functionalities Chemical and biological sensing and desired properties e.g.,
biodegradability and self-powering Continued rapid progress in this area is promising for the
development of a fully integrated E-skin in the near future.

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The completion of any technical seminar involves the efforts of many people. We have been
lucky to have received a lot of help, support from all directions during this seminar, so with
the gratitude we take this opportunity to acknowledge all those who guide and encouraged us.

I am extremely grateful to our Principal Dr. T Rangaswamy B.E, M.Sc. (Res), PhD. for creating an
excellent and technically sound environment in our institution.

I would like to express our profound sense of gratitude to our HOD, Prof. Krishnananda L
B.E, MTech, (PhD) For his support and guidance.

I would like to express our profound sense of gratitude to my guide Prof. Veerabadraswamy
K M B.E, MTech, (PhD) and coordinator Dr. Baby H T B.E., MTech, PhD for their guidance.

It’s a great pleasure to acknowledge for their help and encouragement rendered towards the
successful completionof technical seminar.

BY:
Pooja G L
[4HG21EC414]

ii
 Table of contents

Acknowledgements i

Abstract ii

List of figures

Sl No Tittle Page no

1 Introduction 01

2 Evolution 04

3 Architecture of electronic skin 06

4 Design and fabrication

4.1 Design considerations for e-skin 10

4.2 Materials Used in Flexible E-skin 10

4.3 E-skin Structures and Architectures 13

4.4 E-skin Sensing Capabilities 15

5 Advantages and applications

Advantages 16

Applications 16

Some electronic skin manufacturers 17

Conclusion 18

Future scope 19

References 20
 List of figures

1.1 Flexible electronic skin…………………………………………………………….2

1.2 Recent Progress in Electronic Skin………………………………………………...3

2.1 Evolution of E-SKIN…………………………………………………..…………. 5

3.1 Architecture of electronic skin ………………………………………………….....6

3.2 Detailed View of Inner Circuit of Electronic Skin…………………………………7

3.3 Skin attaches to hand………………………………………………………...…….8

 Flexible Electronic Skin

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Flexible electronic skin (e-skin) has emerged as a promising technology for advanced
sensing capabilities in applications such as robotics, prosthetics, and human-machine
interfaces. The properties of e-skin devices hinge on the selection of appropriate materials
and structures, such as sensitivity, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility. This article
provides an overview of the current state of e-skin research, focusing on the materials and
structures used to create e-skin devices. Various materials were discussed in this paper,
including conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, bacterial cellulose, metal-
organic frameworks, ionogels, and self-healing materials, highlighting their unique
properties and potential applications in e-skin designs. Additionally, the structures and
architectures of e-skin devices were examined, covering aspects such as multilayer designs,
hybrid structures, and hierarchical configurations. This comprehensive review offers
valuable insights into the development and optimization of e-skin materials and structures,
paving the way for the creation of innovative, high-performance e-skin devices for various
applications.

The Evolution in robotics is demanding increased perception of the environment. Human skin
provides sensory perception of temperature, touch/pressure, and air flow. Goal is to develop
sensors on flexible substrates that are compliant to curved surfaces. Researcher’s objective is
for making an artificial skin is to make a revolutionary change in robotics, in medical field, in
flexible electronics. Skin is large organ in human body so artificial skin replaces it according to
our need. Main objective of artificial skin is to sense heat, pressure, touch, airflow and whatever
which human skin sense. It is replacement for prosthetic limbs and robotic arms. Artificial skin
is skin grown in a laboratory. There are various names of artificial skin in biomedical field it is
called as artificial skin, in our electronics field it is called as electronic skin, some scientist it
called as sensitive skin, in other way it also called as synthetic skin, some people say that it is
fake skin. Such different names are available but application is same it is skin replacement for
people who have suffered skin trauma, such as severe burns or skin diseases, or robotic
applications & so on. An artificial skin has also been recently demonstrated at the University
of Cincinnati for in-vitro sweat simulation and testing, capable of skin-like texture, wetting,
sweat pore density, and sweat rates.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

Fig 1.1: Flexible electronic skin

E-Skin has become the new emerging technology and has great developing aspects as it is going
to be one of the most futuristic projects to be enhanced and it also represents the next generation
technology.
This latest advance is an example of the progress made in the field of microfluidic stretchable
radio frequency electronics (μFSRFE), which have demonstrated the possibility of combining
established stiff electronic components with channels of elastomers filled with fluid metal. This
design means it is possible to build systems that can return to their original form after major
mechanical deformation.
Ongoing research projects that promoting the virtues of ‘E-skin’ could, in the future, be
deployed in the field of healthcare. This E-skin could be used for a vast array of applications
such as medical instruments that need to make controlled incision. Likewise, bandages could
be equipped with sensors to ensure they are applied with the proper tightness.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

Fig 1.2: Recent Progress in Electronic Skin

Electronic pressure sensitive material that could become a sort of “skin” Imitation for different
applications. It was developed by engineers at Berkeley University of California. Artificial skin
called “e-skin” and described in an article published in the journal Nature Materials, is the first
material of this kind, made of crystal inorganic semiconductors.
The idea is of a material able to function like human skin, and this involves the integration
capabilities of perception and touch objects. Researchers have developed a flexible wireless
sensor that can withstand the stretching and folding that occurs on any fluid surface such as
human skin. The team believes the sensors can act as a second layer of smart ‘e-skin’ to monitor
an individual’s health. E-skin that is composed of a slender, highly agile layer of rubber
sandwiched between two electrically conducting layers. A sensitive artificial skin contact could
be a crucial step in robotics to handle the necessary grip force modulation and handling a wide
variety of objects. Human beings generally know how to grab a fresh egg without breaking it.
If we want to have a robot able to empty a dishwasher for instance, you should be sure that will
not break the glasses and I will not fall on the floor pans. A long-term goal could be so called
“e-skin” for tangible sense rehabilitation in patients with prosthetic limbs, when you have
reached an appropriate level of integration of electronic sensors in the human nervous system.
Many patents are still researching on the developing process of the E-Skin and would become
a breakthrough in the coming upcoming technologies.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

CHAPTER 2
EVOLUTION
Electronic skin or e-skin is a thin material designed to mimic human skin by recognizing
pressure and temperature. In September 2010, Javey and the University of California, Berkeley
developed a method of attaching nanowire transistors and pressure sensors to a sticky plastic
film. In August 2011, Massachusetts-based MC10 created an electronic patch for monitoring
patient's vital health signs which was described as 'electric skin'. The 'tattoos' were created by
embedding sensors in a thin film. During tests, the device stayed in place for 24 hours and was
flexible enough to move with the skin it was placed on. Javey's latest electronic skin lights up
when touched. Pressure triggers a reaction that lights up blue, green, red, and yellow LEDs and
as pressure increases the lights get brighter. Artificial skin identified by different name in a
same way it is developed in different laboratories such as in MIT (Massachusetts institute of
technology), in Tokyo led by Takao Someya, The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial
Engineering and Biotechnology, and so on. In this report we see the different methods of
manufacturing of artificial skin of different scientist & its application with its future scope.
Another form of artificial skin .It has been created out of flexible semiconductor materials that
can sense touch for those with prosthetic limbs. The artificial skin is anticipated to augment
robotics in conducting rudimentary jobs that would be considered delicate and require sensitive
touch. Scientists found that by applying a layer of rubber with two parallel electrodes that stored
electrical charges inside of the artificial skin, tiny amounts of pressure could be detected. When
pressure is exerted, the electrical charge in the rubber is changed and the change is detected by
the electrodes. However, the film is so small that when pressure is applied to the skin, the
molecules have nowhere to move and become entangled. The molecules also fail to return to
their original shape when the pressure is removed. Sensitive skin, also known as sensate skin,
is an electronic sensing skin placed on the surface of a machine such as a robotic arm. The goal
of the skin is to sense important environmental parameters such as proximity to objects, heat,
moisture, and direct touch sensations. Examples of a sensitive skin have been made by a group
in Tokyo led by Takao Someya.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

Fig 2.1: Evolution of E-SKIN

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Flexible Electronic Skin

CHAPTER 3

ARCHITECTURE OF ELECTRONIC SKIN

With the interactive e-skin, demonstration is takes place an elegant system on plastic that can
be wrapped around different objects to enable a new form of HMI. Other companies, including
Massachusetts-based engineering firm MC10, have created flexible electronic circuits that are
attached to a wearer's skin using a rubber stamp. MC10 originally designed the tattoos, called
Bio stamps, to help medical teams measure the health of their patients either remotely, or
without the need for large expensive machinery. Fig 2 shows the various parts that make up the
MC10 electronic tattoo called the Bio stamp. It can be stuck to the body using a rubber stamp,
and protected using spray-on bandages. The circuit can be worn for two weeks and Motorola
believes this makes it perfect for authentication purposes. Bio stamp use high-performance
silicon, can stretch up to 200 per cent and can monitor temperature, hydration and strain, among
other medical statistics. Javey's study claims that while building sensors into networks isn't new,
interactive displays; being able to recognize touch and pressure and have the flexible circuit
respond to it is 'breakthrough'. His team is now working on a sample that could also register
and respond to changes in temperature and light to make the skin even more lifelike.

Fig 3.1: Architecture of electronic skin

Large-area ultrasonic sensor arrays that could keep both robots and humans out of trouble.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

Ultrasonic sensors are used to measure distances and are often used in robots to avoid crashing.
Proximity sensors, on the other hand, are used to detect nearby objects. Applying ultrasonic
skin on a robot would give it an all-directional proximity sensor. This would allow robots to
move around safely with accurate distance measurements and also allow the robots to handle
soft and fragile humans with more care. Ultrasonic skin could also benefit humans as it could
be used in prosthetics or as garments that had awareness of the surroundings. Although E Skin
could find various applications and could hold various features, a problem that could be posed
is the slow transmission of signals and reading of data from the sensors. The solution to this
was found by Ali Juvey along with his colleagues at the University of California. They used
nanowires that have excellent electron mobility and figured out how to make flexible large-area
electronics. Another team developed electromagnetic coupling for E Skin which enabled
wireless transmissions response speeds, that is, low response time, and high performance.
At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, John Rogers’s team has taken the first step
toward this goal. His latest version of an “electrical epidermis” contained the antenna and
ancillary components needed for radiofrequency communication. What’s more, his electronics
can be laminated onto your skin in the same fashion as a temporary tattoo. The circuit is first
transferred onto a water-soluble plastic sheet, which washes away after the circuit is pressed
on. Doctors could use these tiny devices to monitor a patient’s vital signs without the need for
wires and bulky contact pads, and people could wear them discreetly beyond the confines of
the hospital. Rogers and his colleagues tried out a number of applications for their stick -on
electronics.

Fig 3.2: Detailed View of Inner Circuit Of Electronic Skin

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Flexible Electronic Skin

In their most astonishing iteration, they applied circuitry studded with sensors to a person’s
throat where it could detect the muscular activity involved in speech. Simply by monitoring the
signals, researchers were able to differentiate among several words spoken by the test subject.
The user was even able to control a voice-activated video game. Rogers suggested that such a
device could be used to create covert, sub vocal communication systems. Skins that know what
we’re saying without having to say it, skins that can communicate themselves, skins that extend
our human capacities in directions we haven’t yet imagined—the possibilities are endless. And
while some readers may worry about eskins being used to invade the privacy of their bodies or
minds, I believe the potential benefits of this technology offer plenty of reasons to carry on with
the work. For example, the car company Toyota has already demonstrated a smart steering
wheel that measures the electrical activity of the driver’s heart; imagine a smart skin that can
warn a patient of an oncoming heart attack hours in advance.
Human skin is so thin, yet it serves as a boundary between us and the external world. To achieve
flexible and stretchable skin, sub circuit cells, made of a transducer and an electronic circuit,
will be placed on mechanically separated islands, which are fabricated on a deformable
substrate that takes up most of the total strain. The figure shown above is a sketch of such an
island carrying electronic surface. The islands are made sufficiently rigid to protect them from
breaking when the circuit is deformed one time or by repeated stretching. The sub circuits are
electrically connected with stretchable metal conductors. We have three options for making
deformable interconnects: making thin metal films that can withstand large plastic deformation,
deforming a sacrificial mask which serves in lift-off metallization, and making stretchable
metallization.

Fig 3.3: Skin attaches to hand

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Flexible Electronic Skin

To make responsive electronic coverings that bridge that divide. Instead of cold metal robots
and hard plastic prosthetics, I imagine machines and people clothed in sensitive e-skin, allowing
for a two-way exchange of information. Making our mechanical creations seem almost warm
and alive and placing imperceptible electronics on humans will change how people relate to
technology. The harmonization of people and machines: This is the cyborg future that e-skins
could bring. Bendable sensors and displays have made the tech rounds before, but a team of
engineers at the University of California Berkeley have found a way to combine the two. Ali
Javey and his lab have successfully created e-skin, a pressure-sensitive circuit array that is thin,
flexible, and luminescent. His research can be found in the journal Nature Materials.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

CHAPTER 4

DESIGN AND FABRICATION

4.1 Design considerations for e-skin
The design of flexible e-skin materials and structures involves several critical factors that must
be considered to ensure optimal performance in terms of sensing capabilities, mechanical
Sproperties, and biocompatibility. These factors include:

A. Sensitivity and response time: E-skin should be capable of detecting a wide range of
stimuli, including pressure, temperature, and humidity, with high sensitivity and rapid response
times.

B. Flexibility and stretchability: E-skin materials and structures should be flexible and
stretchable to conform to complex surfaces and accommodate mechanical deformations
without compromising their sensing capabilities.

C. Durability and reliability: E-skin should maintain its performance and structural integrity
over time, even under repeated mechanical stress or exposure to environmental factors.

D. Biocompatibility and biodegradability: E-skin materials should be compatible with

biological systems and, preferably, be biodegradable to minimize the environmental impact and
facilitate the disposal of e-skin devices.

E. Integration with electronics and data processing: E-skin designs should allow for
seamless integration with electronic components and data processing systems, such as artificial
intelligence and machine learning algorithms, to enable advanced sensing capabilities and
applications.

By considering these factors, researchers have developed a diverse range of e-skin materials
and structures that demonstrate promising performance in various application.

4.2 Materials Used in Flexible E-skin

A. Conductive polymers

Conductive polymers, such as poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate

(PEDOT:PSS) and polyaniline (PANI), have been widely used in e-skin research due to their

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Flexible Electronic Skin

excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility [1, 2]. These
materials enable the fabrication of stretchable and transparent e-skin sensors that can detect
strain, temperature, and humidity. Conductive polymers can be combined with other materials
or used as the primary sensing component, providing various design opportunities for e-skin
devices. The inherent flexibility and stretchability of conductive polymers allow for the
development of sensors that can conform to complex geometries, making them well-suited for
wearable and implantable applications. Furthermore, their biocompatibility enables the
integration of conductive polymer-based e-skin sensors in biomedical devices, such as
prosthetics and health monitoring systems

B. Carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising material for e-skin development due to their
exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility [3, 10]. By
incorporating CNTs into flexible e-skin sensors, researchers have been able to enhance
sensitivity and response times for various sensing applications. The one-dimensional
nanostructure of CNTs allows for efficient charge transport and mechanical reinforcement,
making them an ideal candidate for e-skin sensors that require high sensitivity and durability.
In addition, the tunable electrical properties and high aspect ratio of CNTs enable the
development of sensors with a wide range of sensing capabilities, including strain, pressure,
and temperature sensing. Recent advances in CNT synthesis and functionalization have further
expanded their potential applications in e-skin research, paving the way for the development of
multifunctional and high-performance sensors.

C. Graphene

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, offers remarkable
electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, making it an attractive material for e-skin
applications [3, 8]. Graphene-based e-skin sensors demonstrate high sensitivity, fast response
times, and excellent durability, allowing for advanced sensing capabilities in various
applications. The two-dimensional nature of graphene enables efficient signal transduction and
mechanical flexibility, making it wellsuited for e-skin sensors that require high sensitivity and
low mechanical interference. Furthermore, the tunable properties of graphene, such as its
conductivity and transparency, can be exploited to design e-skin sensors with tailored
performance and aesthetics. Ongoing research in graphene synthesis, functionalization, and

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Flexible Electronic Skin

integration with other materials continues to expand the potential applications of graphene-
based e-skin sensors, providing new opportunities for innovation in the field.

D. Bacterial cellulose

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biocompatible, mechanically robust, and environmentally friendly

material that has gained attention in e-skin research [9]. By utilizing BC as a substrate,
researchers have developed e-skin sensors with enhanced flexibility and sustainability, making
them suitable for a wide range of applications. The unique properties of BC, such as its high
mechanical strength, tunable porosity, and excellent biocompatibility, enable the development
of e-skin sensors that can withstand mechanical stress and conform to complex geometries. In
addition, the natural origin of BC makes it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious
e-skin designs, promoting sustainability in the rapidly growing field of e-skin research.

E. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials composed of metal ions or
clusters coordinated to organic ligands, offering exceptional structural tunability, high surface
area, and versatile functionalization possibilities [12, 14]. The unique properties of MOFs make
them promising candidates for use in e-skin sensors, where their tuneabletunable pore size, high
conductivity, and flexible frameworks can contribute to enhanced sensitivity and performance.
By incorporating MOFs into e-skin designs, researchers can develop sensors with tailored
mechanical and electrical properties, enabling a wide range of sensing capabilities, such as
pressure, strain, and temperature sensing. Additionally, the ability to control the pore size and
functionality of MOFs allows for the development of highly selective and responsive e-skin
sensors, paving the way for advanced applications in robotics, prosthetics, and wearable
electronics.

F. Ionic liquids and ionogels

Ionic liquids, which are salts that exist in a liquid state at room temperature, have emerged as
an attractive material for e-skin applications due to their excellent ionic conductivity, non-
volatility, and chemical stability [9]. When combined with polymer matrices, ionic liquids form
ionogels, which exhibit the desirable properties of both hydrogels and ionic liquids, including
mechanical flexibility, high sensitivity, and stability under various environmental conditions.
The unique properties of ionogels enable the development of e-skin sensors that are not only
mechanically robust and flexible but also exhibit improved stability and performance under

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Flexible Electronic Skin

high humidity or elevated temperature conditions. By incorporating ionogel-based structures

into e-skin designs, researchers can develop advanced sensing solutions that are adaptable to a
wide range of applications and environments.

G. Self-healing materials

Self-healing materials, which possess the ability to autonomously repair damage, have gained
significant interest in e-skin research due to their potential for extending the lifetime and
durability of e-skin sensors [2, 15]. These materials can be integrated into e-skin designs as
protective layers or incorporated within the sensing components, allowing for the restoration
of sensor functionality after damage. Common self-healing materials used in e-skin research
include self-healing polymers, hydrogels, and elastomers, which can repair themselves through
various mechanisms such as reversible covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, or ionic
interactions. By incorporating self-healing materials into e-skin designs, researchers can
enhance the reliability and longevity of e-skin sensors, ensuring consistent performance in
various applications, including robotics, prosthetics, and human-machine interfaces. The
ongoing exploration of novel materials for e-skin applications is essential for achieving
improved performance, versatility, and durability in e-skin devices. By understanding the
unique properties of various materials and leveraging their advantages in e-skin designs,
researchers can continue to advance the field of e-skin technology, creating innovative solutions
for sensing, robotics, and human-machine interfaces.

4.3 E-skin Structures and Architectures

The design and fabrication of flexible electronic skin structures and architectures play a critical
role in determining the performance, durability, and overall functionality of e-skin devices. This
section highlights some of the most prevalent e-skin structures and architectures, discussing
their unique features and advantages.

A. Multilayer structures

Multilayer structures are a common design choice for e-skin sensors, as they enable the
integration of different functional layers to achieve a variety of sensing capabilities and improve
overall performance. These structures typically consist of a substrate, a sensing layer, and a
protective layer, which work together to provide the desired mechanical, electrical, and
environmental properties. By tailoring the composition, thickness, and arrangement of each
layer, researchers can optimize the e-skin sensor for specific applications, such as strain

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Flexible Electronic Skin

sensing, temperature sensing, or humidity sensing. Moreover, multilayer structures allow for
the incorporation of additional functional layers, such as energy harvesting or self-healing
components, further expanding the capabilities of the e-skin device.

B. Fibrous membrane structures

Fibrous membrane structures offer enhanced mechanical stability and flexibility, making them
suitable for wearable and implantable e-skin applications [15, 16]. These structures are
typically fabricated using electrospinning techniques, which enable the production of
nanofiber-based membranes with controlled Fiber diameters, orientations, and porosities. The
fibrous architecture allows for improved stretchability, breathability, and self-healing
capabilities, as well as excellent moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, ensuring both
comfort and durability in long-term use. By combining fibrous membrane structures with
various conductive materials, researchers can create e-skin sensors with tailored sensing
properties and improved mechanical performance.
C. Nanomesh structures
Nanomesh structures provide a unique combination of high surface area, low mechanical
impedance, and exceptional transparency, making them well-suited for e-skin applications
where high sensitivity and low mechanical interference are desired [8]. Typically fabricated
using lithography or self-assembly techniques, these structures consist of interconnected
nanoscale elements that form a porous network, allowing for efficient signal transduction and
enhanced sensitivity. Furthermore, the inherent flexibility and transparency of nanomesh
structures enable the fabrication of e-skin sensors with minimal impact on the user's perception
and interaction with their environment. The integration of nanomesh structures with advanced
materials, such as graphene, can further improve the performance and versatility of e-skin
devices.
D. Ionogel-based structures
Ionogel-based structures offer a promising approach to e-skin design by combining the
advantages of hydrogels and ionic liquids, resulting in sensors with excellent mechanical
flexibility, high sensitivity, and stability under various environmental conditions. Ionogels are
composed of an ionic liquid encapsulated within a polymer matrix, allowing for efficient charge
transport and signal transduction. The unique properties of ionogels enable the development of
e-skin sensors that are not only mechanically robust and flexible but also exhibit improved
stability and performance under high humidity or elevated temperature conditions.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

By incorporating ionogel-based structures into e-skin designs, researchers can develop

advanced sensing solutions that are adaptable to a wide range of applications and environments.

4.4 E-skin Sensing Capabilities

Flexible e-skin materials and structures have enabled the development of various sensing
capabilities that can be tailored to specific applications. Some of the key sensing capabilities
include:

A. Strain sensing

Strain sensing is an essential capability for e-skin, allowing it to detect mechanical

deformations and changes in shape.

B. Temperature sensing

Temperature sensing is crucial for applications such as prosthetics and wearable devices, where
monitoring temperature changes is necessary.

C. Humidity sensing

Humidity sensing is important for various applications, including healthcare and human
comfort monitoring.

D. Pressure sensing

Pressure sensing is vital for applications like robotics, prosthetics, and human-machine
interfaces, where the ability to detect and respond to applied pressure is crucial.

E. Force sensing

Force sensing is important for applications requiring interaction with external objects or
environments, such as robotics and prosthetics.

F. Visible light sensing

Visible light sensing is valuable for applications involving light-responsive functionalities, such
as adaptive camouflage or optoelectronic devices.

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CHAPTER 5

ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS

ADVANTAGES

1. Reduces number of wires

2. Compact in size

3. Attachment and detachment is easy

4. More flexible

5. Light in weight

6. It replaces present system of ECG and EEG

7. It gives sense to a robot

8. Wearable

9. Ultrathin

10.Twistable & stretchable

11.Easy to handle

APPLICATIONS

Some applications are given below to know the depth and use of electronic skin:

 When the skin has been seriously damaged through disease or burns then human skin is
replaced by artificial skin.

 It is also used for robots. Robot senses the pressure, touch, moisture, temperature, proximity
to object.

 It can measure electrical activity of the heart, brain waves, muscle activity and other vital
signals.

 By using interfacial stress sensor, we also measure normal stress & shear stress.

 Localized electrical stimulation: This is a smart bandage. Temperature is changes across a

wound.

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SOME ELECTRONIC SKIN MANUFACTURERS

Medtronic

Medtronic was established by Earl Bakken and Palmer Hermundslie in 1949 and is currently
headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Medtronic is one of the leading electronic skin manufacturers.
The business creates a variety of products that monitor and cure a variety of medical issues
using electronic skin technology.

Hudson Medical Innovations

John Hudson established Hudson Medical Innovations in 2010, and the company is situated in
Richmond, Virginia. The patented electronic skin technology created by Hudson Medical
Innovations, which tracks pressure and temperature changes on the skin’s surface using a mix
of sensors and microprocessors, is well known.

MC10

A US-based business called MC10 focuses on creating and producing flexible electronic skin
technology for a variety of uses. The company’s headquarters are in Lexington, Massachusetts,
and it was established in 2008 by John Rogers and Roozbeh Ghaffari. The flexible, ultra -thin
substrate that supports MC10’s electronic skin technology fits the features of the human body.

Dialog Semiconductor

Jalal Bagherli established Dialog Semiconductor back in the year 1984 and has its main
headquarters in London, United Kingdom. Dialog Semiconductor has created a low-power
integrated circuit solution for electronic skin (E-Skin) applications in relation to the production
of electronic skin.

Intelesens

Belfast, Northern Ireland is home to the medical technology business Intelesens. Professor Jim
McLaughlin, Dr. John Anderson, and Dr. David Corrigan formed it in 2001. Intelesens has
created several wearable sensors that can be included in electronic skin applications, which is
relevant to the production of electronic skin.

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CONCLUSION

In the past decade, the pace of e-skin development has accelerated dramatically owing to the
availability of new materials and processes. As a result of this progress, the capabilities of e-
skin are rapidly converging. Interest in e-skin has been driven by its potential to:

1. Enable highly the development of interactive and versatile robots that are capable of
performing complex tasks in less structured environments.

2. Facilitate conformable displays and optics.

3. Revolutionize healthcare by providing biometric prostheses, constant health monitoring

technologies, and unprecedented diagnostic and treatment proficiency.

Sensors and circuits have already exceeded the properties of biological skin in many respects.
Electronic devices have been fabricated that stretch many times further than skin, flexible
tactile sensors have been demonstrated that possess vastly superior spatial resolution to human
skin, and tactile and temperature sensors are available with enhanced sensitivity over their
natural counterpart. Despite rapid progress, there is a continuing need for further development
before the goal of integrating multiple functionalities into large area, low-cost sensor arrays is
realized. From a design standpoint, e-skin requires active circuitry to address large numbers of
devices with minimal wiring complexity and fast scan rates. Furthermore, the ability to mimic
the mechanical properties of human skin (e.g., flexibility and stretchability) is critical in order
to accommodate the various movements of the user. This can be accomplished through the use
of intrinsically stretchable materials or rigid device islands tethered together through flexible
interconnects. While the latter leverages the extensive optimization of rigid devices, the former
may have advantages in terms of cost and robustness.

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FUTURE SCOPE

The future of flexible e-skin research will likely be driven by several key trends, focusing on
improving sensing capabilities, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and the integration of
artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to enhance performance and
adaptability. Researchers will strive to develop sensors with higher sensitivity, selectivity, and
response times by exploring novel materials, combinations of materials, and advanced nano
structuring techniques. Efforts will also be directed towards enhancing the mechanical
properties of e-skin materials and structures, such as flexibility, stretchability, and durability,
through the development of innovative materials, composites, and fabrication techniques.
Additionally, the integration of AI and ML algorithms will play a pivotal role in refining e-skin
devices' adaptability and performance, allowing them to efficiently process and analyze the
collected data. These advancements will enable the creation of cutting-edge e-skin devices for
a wide range of applications, revolutionizing various industries and pushing the boundaries of
e-skin technology.

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Flexible Electronic Skin

REFERENCES

[1] R. S. Dahiya, "Epidermal Electronics: Flexible Electronics for Biomedical Application," in

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[2] M. Valle, Robotic Tactile Sensing - Technologies and System. Dordrecht: Springer, Vol 7,
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[3] P. Middendorf, M. Valle, G. Cheng, and V. Lumelsky, "Directions Towards Effective

Utilization of Tactile Skin -- A Review," IEEE Sensors Journal, Vol. 13,2020, pp. 4121 - 4138.

[4] G. Metta, M. Valle, and G. Sandini, "Tactile Sensing From Humans to Humanoids," IEEE
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