Innovative ‘smart tattoos’ fit together like Lego, act as wearable devices

ITHACA, NY — They’re known as “smart tattoos,” wearable technology that’s as simple to use as building with LEGO sets. Researchers at Cornell University have developed this innovative on-skin computing system called SkinKit, which offers a range of applications from health monitoring to fashion. SkinKit also aims to overcome the limitations of current wearable technologies by providing a reliable, comfortable and user-friendly interface.

“We’ve been working on this for years,” Cindy (Hsin-Liu) Kao, an assistant professor of human-centered design and the study’s senior author, said in a university publication. “I think we have finally figured out a lot of the technical challenges. We wanted to create a modular approach to smart tattoos, to make them as straightforward as building Legos.”

The critical aspect of SkinKit is its plug-and-play system, which allows even those with little technical expertise to engage with on-skin interfaces. Using temporary tattoo paper, silicone textile stabilizer and water, the researchers created a multi-layer thin film structure called “skin cloth”. This material can be easily shaped and combined with electronic hardware to perform various tasks.

One of the main advantages of SkinKit is its versatility and ease of customization. The carrier can easily attach and detach the modules, allowing for easy reconfiguration and customization. For example, suppose you want to use a specific sensor today, but require a different functionality tomorrow. In that case, you can simply disassemble and reuse some of the modules to create a new device within minutes.

The development of SkinKit has involved extensive research, testing and redevelopment. The goal was to lower the barriers to entry for on-skin interfaces and make them accessible to a wider audience. By simplifying the process and providing a user-friendly experience, SkinKit allows people with limited technical skills to explore the world of on-skin computing.

SkinKit represents an exciting step forward in wearable technology, offering a unique combination of comfort, durability and functionality. Its modular design allows for endless customization, making it suitable for a variety of applications, whether tracking health metrics or expressing personal style through fashion.

The team at Cornell University say they have laid the groundwork for future developments in on-skin computing, providing a platform for individuals to experiment, innovate and create personal devices. With SkinKit, the possibilities are endless and the world of technology becomes more accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background.

That paper was presented at the Association for Computing Machinery’s International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing.

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