The BEST Group at University of Glasgow make new developments in their electronic skin
Orange County, CA -
March 28th 2017 - Researchers from the Bendable Electronics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) Group at University of Glasgow in Scotland developed methods of producing large graphene sheets from cheap copper back in 2015. Graphene is a form of graphite that is a single-atom thick, electrically conductive, and stronger than steel yet highly pliable. Their process made the production process approximately 100 times less expensive and allowed the creation of an electronic skin to cover prosthetics and allow touch sensitivity.
The use of an external power source, such as a battery, is often required for these types of prosthetics in order to sustain the energy necessary for correct function. Further studying the physical properties of graphene, it was discovered that its composition allows relatively 98% of light to pass through its surface. This optical transparency makes graphene a remarkable source for energy collection.
In their study, published in the journal Advanced Functional Material, they describe integrating the photovoltaic cells into their touch sensitive electronic skin for the first time.
The artificial skin’s pressure sensors consume only 20 nanowatts of power per square centimeter and are extremely sensitive, detecting touches as soft as 0.11 kPa, or less than 0.016 psi. The power produced by the new skin is more than enough to power these sensors, but not enough to power the whole prosthetic. Furthermore, what would happen if the prosthetic didn’t have enough charge to stay powered on? This prompted researchers to look into the possibility of developing a battery to store the excess energy until needed.
Not only could this technology be used to return the sense of touch to those suffering from limb loss, but could be extended to the field of robotics. If robots are accoutered with the capabilities associated with human skin, this raised awareness would lessen calamity.
The group hopes that eventually the stored energy would be able to power the motors which drive the prosthetic hand itself, making it completely self-sufficient. Dr. Dahiya has already announced that the team has made progress in this direction and is now exploring wearable systems for affordable healthcare.
