Could the “E-Skin” Be the First Artificial Skin to Restore Touch?

Engineers at the University of California in Berkeley have created an artificial nanowire skin that uses inorganic materials that are laid into a matrix using a technique similar to “a lint roller in reverse.” This is an interesting innovation because it could possibly lead to restoring the sense of touch to those who have artificial limbs.

Scientists have struggled to find the right balance between flexibility, force, and conductivity in materials used for skin on prosthetics and the scientists at UC Berkeley may have found a viable solution. One of the major problems with finding a good skin for robotics is that organic materials are very flexible but they do not conduct energy very well; while inorganic materials are great conductors but very stiff.

The researchers created this “e-skin” by first growing the nanowires made of a germanium/silicon complex on a cylindrical drum. Then they rolled it onto a sticky substrate, which can be a variety of things from plastic to glass. As the cylindrical drum was rolled, the nanowires formed an orderly matrix on the substrate. This is only one approach to building these flexible sheets. Another way mentioned is to grow the semiconductor wires directly on a flat surface then transfer them by direct rubbing to the polyimide film, or other sticky substrate.

This “e-skin” has been proven to be able to hold an egg with enough precision so as not to break it or drop it. It also has enough force to pick up pots and pans from the dishwasher. The engineers working on this project stated that one of the main limitations right now for them is that they can only build a sheet as large as the tools they are using. This development could lead to restored touch and feel to amputees after extensive research on the interactions of these inorganic single crystalline semiconductors with the human immune system.

I find this article interesting because one of the fields I am considering going into after I graduate is research with prosthetics. I love the idea of helping people with disabilities by designing something that can make their life as normal as possible. The thought of returning touch to someone who has lost the ability to feel seems out of reach but this research may be the next step to improving robotics and prosthetics.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100912151550.htm

Rachel Anthony

VTPP 434-501