SkinLink brings customizable, stretchable circuits directly to your skin

Researchers from Cornell University's Hybrid Body Lab have introduced SkinLink, a toolkit for constructing customizable, reconfigurable, on-skin interfaces. It essentially simplifies the process of prototyping circuits directly onto human skin. Traditional approaches to on-skin interfaces often make it difficult to adjust circuits after fabrication. In contrast, SkinLink allows in-situ (on-site) adjustments, meaning users can modify the circuit design directly on their skin.

The system consists of small, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) and stretchable connectors, making the circuits both lightweight and adaptable to the body's movement. This design supports various applications, from biometric sensing to body-based interactions. For example, circuits can be used for continuous health monitoring or creative wearable designs - circuit tattoos if you will.

One of SkinLink’s key features is its focus on wearability. As mentioned earlier, the circuits conform to the body's natural movements and surfaces, making sure that comfort isn't a compromise. SkinLink uses flexible and stretchable materials that can be easily adjusted or repositioned during the prototyping process. This adaptability is particularly useful for joints or non-planar body surfaces where movement is quite common - areas where traditional circuits have a high chance of failing.

A study with 14 participants demonstrates everything stated earlier - SkinLink is way faster and more flexible as compared to previous methods. Four case studies further showcased its potential in fields like special effects makeup and wearable tech, proving that both experts and beginners can use the toolkit effectively.