Tattoo-like epidermal electronics as skin sensors for human-machine interfaces

Abstract

Flexible electronic skin (e-skin) has been successfully utilized in diverse applications, including prosthesis sensing, body-motion monitoring and human-machine interfaces, due to its excellent mechanical properties and electrical characteristics. However, current e-skins are still relatively thick (>10 µm) and uncomfortable for long-term usage on the human body. Herein, an ultrathin skin-integrated strain sensor with miniaturized dimensions, based on the piezoresistive effect, with excellent stability and robustness, is introduced. The fractal curve-shaped Au electrode in a serpentine format, which is the dominant component of the strain sensor, is sensitive to ambient strain variations and can turn the mechanical motion into a stable electrical signal output. With the advanced design of metallic electrodes, the device presents good operational stability and excellent mechanical tolerance towards bending, stretching and twisting. The stain sensor allows intimate mounting onto the human epidermal surface for the detection of body motion. By adopting a liquid bandage as an encapsulation layer, the device exhibits an ultrathin thickness (6.2 µm), high sensitivity towards mechanical deformations and capability for the clear detection of motion, such as walking, finger bending and the human pulse rate with identifiable electrical signals. Furthermore, the tattoo-like strain sensor is applied in robotic control by tracing finger bending motion and results in the smooth control of a robotic hand nearly without any detention. This e-skin design exhibits excellent potential for wearable electronics and human-machine interfaces.