U.S. engineers develop a platform of ultra-thin devices are flexible and comfortable so it can be affixed to the skin like a temporary tattoo. The device can function as a sensor, helping medical diagnosis, communication, and human-machine interfaces.
The device has an electronic circuit that is composed of sensors, transistors, capacitors, wireless antenna, LED, and solar panels. The circuit is composed based on the same sheet of rubber is capable of expanding and contracting, adjusting to the skin.

Sheet with an electronic circuit is mounted on a water-soluble plastic. To install, simply give water in small amounts in the skin and tape devices. Instantly, the device will be attached and flexibility can be tested.

"In our opinion, this device is an advanced concept of electronics that can be used to accomplish something that had never occurred to the user," said Todd Coleman, professor of computer and electronic engineering from the University of California at San Diego which involved the study.

He said this is a breakthrough new technology in electronics. "This technology can connects to the physical world and virtual world in a very natural and feels comfortable," said Coleman was quoted as saying the site Physorg.

The benefits that can be imagined from this device is in the medical field, such as EEG and EMG analysis to determine the activity of muscles and nerves. To do so, no need to use a conductive gel, plasters, and pins are planted so it is more convenient.

"If we want to understand brain function in a natural condition, then this is not in accordance with the procedure EEG. The best way to do it is to record neural signals naturally, with a device that is not 'seen' by the user," said Coleman.

This device can also be worn during normal activity to monitor the health and fitness. During sleep, the device can be used to monitor the status of cognitive and behavioral. In the meantime, for patients with nerve and muscle disorders, these tools can be used to communicate with the computer.

Among a variety of benefits, one of which has been proven is the ability to distinguish the movement of the throat muscles when people make simple conversation. Scientists also have shown that these tools can be used to control video games.

John A Rogers of the University of Illinois, chairman of this research project, and his group, is famous for the manufacture of flexible devices. However, to create devices that comfortable in the skin requires different production paradigm.

"Devices that can stretch our previous artificial mekanofisiologi not comply with the skin. The skin is very soft but the surface can be rough, with a particular microscopic texture. It requires approaches and different design principles," said Rogers.

In the production of these devices, Rogers worked with Yonggang Huang of Northwestern University to overcome difficulties. They created a device called a filamentary geometry serpentine, which the circuit components can be made as small as possible.

Huang said, "Here, the incorporation of electronics and biology is the key. All of the manufacture of electronic devices is difficult and rigid, while the biology of soft and elastic. It's two different worlds. This is the way to integrate both."

To make these devices in bulk, the researchers used a simple adaptation of techniques used in the semiconductor industry. Currently, the MC10 (Roger co-founded the industry) is ready to produce and commercialize the product.

In the future, researchers will still be developing this product and add Wi-Fi capability. Roger Hail research, Coleman, and Huang published in the journal Science, published today.