Available Technology
Wearable tactile keypad with stretchable artificial skin
Technology:
Ultra-thin, stretchable and transparent keypad
Markets Addressed
This technology is an ultra-thin, stretchable and transparent wearable keypad. Unlike current keypads available on the market, which are usually bulky and inflexible, the invention resembles human skin and remains functional when stretched. Moreover, it transparent color is fashionable. This device can be integrated with various fabrics and attached to any parts of the garment. This unique keypad technology can meet the needs for a new class of “smart” fabrics, wearable computing and wearable electronics. Applications include performance sports apparel,, mobile electronics and battlefield equipment.
Innovations and Advantages
This invention is a stretchable keypad, which consists of a thin sheet of elastic material and stretchable wires. The elastic material ensures a soft, elastic, and thin conformation. The wires, made of conductive liquid channels, are embedded in the elastic sheet. These liquid channels can remain conductive when stretched. They are arranged in a special pattern to sense the location and magnitude of pressure applied. The sensitivity of the device can be controlled through the choice of material and geometry. The invention has proven to be fully functional as a normal keypad. Last but not least, the device can be fast produced via existing electronic production facility.
Additional Information
Publication :
Soft Artificial Skin with Multi-Modal Sensing Capability Using Embedded Liquid Conductors
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Inventor(s):
Kramer, Rebecca K.
Majidi, Carmel S.
Wood, Robert J.
Categories:
For further information, please contact:
Sam Liss, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-4371
Reference Harvard Case #3943