Sensors
Computer as a second skin
Computers that can be worn like a second skin are being developed at Saarland University. Optimally adapted to the user's body, they could replace smartwatches. The research project is now being funded by the ERC.
Jürgen Steimle, Professor of Computer Science at Saarland University, and his research group want to develop a new generation of mobile devices that can be summarized under the name 'Interactive Skin' (iSkin). The interactive computer devices can be worn like a second skin. Users will also be able to design and customize this second skin as they wish. Possible applications of the interactive skin pieces could not only include the control of mobile devices, they could also support patients in their recovery.
"Smartwatches and the like can already be operated by touching them on the body, but the devices are thick and rigid and still come from mass production. As a result, they are not optimally adapted to the user's body," says Steimle.
With their research project 'iSkin', Steimle's group of computer scientists have already been able to show the direction in which the new generation of mobile devices should go. They have developed touch-sensitive stickers for the skin that resemble tattoos. The stickers are made of flexible silicone and conductive electrical sensors. They serve as an input surface with which users can control mobile computers. When the user presses the sticker, they can answer a call or adjust the volume of a music player, for example.
"With 'iSkin', we initially only researched types of input, but now we are using even thinner materials to investigate how information can be displayed and felt on the skin. We will now systematically and comprehensively explore the possibilities of interaction on the body," says Steimle. He is confident that such interactive skin will be increasingly used in everyday life in the future.
The European Research Council has now awarded Jürgen Steimle an ERC Starting Grant for his further research and will fund his research project with 1.5 million euros over the next five years.
According to the ERC, there were a total of 2935 applications for an 'ERC Starting Grant' this year; 325 applications were successful. Prof. Steimle had applied for funding in the area of "Physical Sciences and Engineering". In this area, 1288 applications were received and the European Research Council rewarded 146 of them with an 'ERC Starting Grant'.
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