Artificial skin powered by solar energy

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The latest innovations in terms of artificial skin and prostheses are always more realistic and more functional. But these new possibilities are always demanding more energy. Researchers from the University of Glasgow may have found a solution. They have developed artificial skin that works with solar energy. Explanations.

98% of solar energy passes through this artificial skin

The latest innovations in artificial skin make it possible to reproduce the sensation of touch. But it requires large amounts of energy. Until then, external batteries were needed. Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a skin based on solar energy through photo-voltaic cells. Dr. Ravinder Dahiya from the University of Glasgow School of Engineering explains: "The real challenge was figuring out how to put skin over the photovoltaic sensors while letting in the light. That's what we managed to do. "

98% of the light that passes through the skin reaches the photo-voltaic cells. A feat possible thanks to the material used. This skin is made in graphene, a material 1 million times thinner than paper and the most durable material in the world. According to the team, this source of energy could significantly increase the sensitivity of artificial skins to touch or heat. For now, two challenges are still waiting for Dr. Ravinder Dahiya and his team. First, make the prosthesis complete lighter. Then, succeed in making all of it work thanks to solar energy and not just artificial skin. They hope to make significant progress in the next two years.

Ongoing revolution in prosthetics and artificial skin market

The complete universe of prostheses and artificial skin is experiencing in recent years thanks to new technologies a real revolution. Some models are now able to convey the sensation of touch. Possible innovations thanks to a mix of sensors in the arm and electrodes installed in the human brain. This was done in particular by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) in 2015. At the same time, in Japan, scientists have developed an artificial skin reproducing the real skin at unexpected levels. This allowed the growth of hair, hair and even the appearance of sweat glands.

For the moment, we can only rejoice at these possibilities. They allow people who receive these prostheses to benefit from more autonomy. New generation prostheses may, however, pose longer-term ethical problems. On several occasions, models from fictitious universes appeared like that of Deus Ex. This direction that humanity could take in terms of transhumanism with a part of humanity really "augmented" questions. Are we headed towards a two-speed humanity with 2.0 human beings?

Discover the latest innovations and new technologies in terms of smart health connected health in our dedicated section.

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