“I believe skin displays can get us to a future of technologies that are gentle, kind, and spread warmth, not just information.”
These are just some of the words of Takao Someya, a University of Tokyo professor that envisions a “future of electronic devices that not only transmit data but also feelings.” While smartwatches and other wearable devices are already available in the market, some people still find them clunky and impractical to use given their small display.
Professor Takao, along with his group and Dai Nippon Printing Co, aims to resolve this by working on a 46mm square, 2mm thin display capable of sticking to one’s skin and other surfaces. This is made possible by using micro-LEDs attached to a stretched silicon substrate connected via silver wiring. This silver wiring comes in the form of a paste that is conductive even as it is stretched and molded into the curvature of one’s hand. The silicone material also acts as a natural adhesive, making attachment easy.
Apart from the obvious health monitoring benefits, skin displays also make accessing information easier and can be very useful in situations where both hands are preoccupied. The flexible design also makes it viable for contact sports, where traditional devices may easily break when struck.
While this design is surely promising, it is not without room for improvement. Professor Takao notes improving power sources, pixel density, and striking a balance between comfort and durability. He and his team are aiming to bring skin displays into consumer’s hands within the next three years.
Image: University of Tokyo | Yoshiaki Tsutsui
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The MicroLED display is mounted on a rubber sheet and connected with stretchable wirings. This allows for a display that can bend, twist and even stretch as much as 130% of its original size.
Professor Takao Someya of University of Tokyo with a skin display.
Flexible electrode is composed of a mesh of nanofiber, upon which a layer of conductive gold can be deposited.