N. Lu
The University of Texas at Austin,
United States
Keywords: stretchable electronics, wearable electronics, vital sign moninoring, robotic sensing
Summary:
The convergence of humans and robots holds promise for a sustainable future of our aging society. My group therefore focuses on engineering soft electronics that can be seamlessly integrated on either humans or robots to facilitate their understanding and interaction capabilities. We have modeled and fabricated e-tattoos, which are ultrathin and stretchable sensors and circuits that can conform to human skin like a temporary tattoo sticker. This talk will introduce various types of pre- or on-body fabricated e-tattoos for cardiovascular health and brain performance monitoring. In parallel, we are investigating soft tactile sensing e-skins to endow robots with soft touch-sensitive skins similar to human skin. Despite extensive researches on e-skins, contamination of pressure readings by lateral stretch or shear force has been a persistant challenge. Our recent work on Stretchable resistive-capacitive Hybrid Response Pressure Sensor (SHRPS) provides a novel solution to this issue. SHRPS mechanism is elucidated through analytical and numerical modeling and SHRPS application is demonstrated through an inflatable robotic probe checking human vital signs and providing physical care. With e-tattoos digitizing the human body and e-skins sensorizing the robots, we hope to bridge the gap between humans and robots for a symbiotic and sustainable future. Related Patents: 1. N. Lu, S. X. Yang, and P. L. Wang, "Epidermal Sensor System and Process," Patent #10,492,703 granted on Dec. 3, 2019. 2. N. Lu, S. Bhattacharya, P. Tan, F. Santucci, “A Stacked-Design, Multi-Mode, Conformable Epidermal Sensor,” Provisional 63/454,195 filed on Mar. 23, 2023; PCT PCT/US2024/020891 filed on Mar. 21, 2024. 3. N. Lu, P. Tan, E. Wang, S. Bhattacharya, “A Wearable Optical E-Tattoo for Arterial and Venous Blood”, Provisional US63/527,933 filed on Jul. 20, 2023. 4. N. Lu, M. Jankovic, S. Bhattacharya, S. Kang, E. Coyle “Arm-Conformal, Mobile E-Tattoo for The Ambulatory Monitoring of Whole-Body Hydration”, Provisional US63/634,140 filed on Apr. 15, 2024. 5. N. Lu, H. Li, P. Vidal, “Stretchable and Hair-Compatible Electrodes”, Provisional US63/686,218 filed on Aug. 23, 2024. 6. N. Lu, “Highly Sensitive Stretchable Hybrid Response Pressure Sensor”, Provisional US63/226,243 filed on Jul. 28, 2021; PCT PCT/US2022/074270 filed on Jul. 28, 2022; US national 18/292,725 filed on Jan. 26, 2024.