A group of researchers at Cornell University have developed an electroluminescent synthetic skin that can be stretched up to six time its original size while still emit multicolored Light Within . They believe the colorful synthetic skin could one day aid automaton convey emotion andconnect with humans .
Made of level of hydrogel electrode and a dielectric elastomer shroud , the synthetic skin is stretchy and indestructible — stark for use in the construction of soft golem , according to thestudypublished inScience . The engineering science could be used to create robot that are more flexible and can change their form and vividness harmonize to human needs . For instance , researchers conceive the " skin " could be used to build ahealth attention robotthat displays patient data like temperature and pulsation , and even react to a patient role ’s mood .
“ We can take these pel that change color and put them on these robots , and now we have the ability to change their colour , ” Researcher Rob Shepherdtold theCornell Chronicle . “ Why is that important ? For one thing , when automaton become more and more a part of our lives , the ability for them to have aroused connection with us will be of import . So to be able-bodied to alter their color in response to mood or the tone of the room we consider is going to be authoritative for human - robot interactions . ”
Shepherd and his team are by no means the only researchers working on synthetic skin for robots . Last fall , for instance , researcher at Stanford herald they had developed anartificial skinthat could “ find ” press . But Shepherd claims that he and his team have created a unparalleled synthetic skin that can withstand twice the strain of previous stretchable skins .
In addition to its robotic applications , researcher Chris Larson says the electroluminescent skin could have a reach of enjoyment , from app in healthcare to create new stretchy wearables . “ You could have a rubber band that goes around your arm that also display info , ” Larson said . “ You could be in a get together and have a rubber striation - like gimmick on your weapon and could be checking your email . That ’s obviously in the future , but that ’s the direction we ’re looking in . ”
