Self-Powered Electronic Skin

Stanford researchers have developed a stretchable, energy harvesting electronic skin (e-skin) that senses and distinguishes between normal pressure, tension, and bending. This human skin-like capability allows object manipulation, grasp control, and texture determination. The e-skin is comprised of layers of silicone and single walled carbon nanotube electronic devices.

Energy harvesting / self powered e-skin schematic of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) device film layers

The stretchable, capacitive design simultaneously measures the change in capacitance and film resistance, differentiates between normal pressure, strain and bending, and converts the mechanical stimuli to electricity. Future work will improve power generation and incorporate stretchable capacitors and battery into the design.

Related Technologies
Stanford docket S14-024 Skin-like, Wearable Pressure Sensor
This wearable, flexible, high sensitivity pressure sensor provides information about cardiovascular health, emotional state, and other aspects of human physiology. Attached like a medical bandage, the ultra-thin sensor measures pulse waveforms over arteries or veins with high repeatability (> 3000 cycles).

Stanford docket 15-225 Electrochromic Resistive Pressure Sensor
Stanford researchers have developed a stretchable, low power consumption, highly-tunable resistive pressure sensor and organic electrochromic device (ECDs). This electronic skin device detects applied pressure and distinguishes varying applied pressures through real-time visible color change.

NPR "All Tech Considered" Feature
"Just Like Human Skin, This Plastic Sheet Can Sense And Heal", April 11, 2016