Flexible sensor paves way for electronic skin

The device is capable of simultaneously detecting pressure, humidity and temperature with exceptional accuracy. The researchers say it could be used to monitor strain on bridges, create a better artificial skin to benefit amputees, or even give robots the ability to 'feel'. To create the sensor, the researchers placed layers on ultra small monolayer-capped nanoparticles on top of a substrate made of PET (flexible polyethylene terephthalate). They found that the resulting compound conducted electricity differently depending on how the substrate was bent (the bending motion brought some particles closer to others, increasing how quickly electrons could pass between them.) "This electrical property means that the sensor can detect a large range of pressures, from tens of milligrams to tens of grams," explained Dr Nir Peled. "The sensor is very stable and can be attached to any surface shape while keeping the function stable." By varying how thick the substrate is, as well as what it is made of, the scientists have been able to modify the sensors sensitivity. "Indeed," Dr Peled continued, "the development of the artificial skin as biosensor is another breakthrough that puts nanotechnology at the front of the diagnostic era."