PainRelief.com Interview with:
Md. Ataur Rahman
Research Fellow
Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group
School of Engineering
RMIT University
Melbourne, Victoria Australia

PainRelief.com:  What is the background for this study?

Response: The most prevalent and critical skin receptors relate to pressure, temperature, and pain – the Pacinian corpuscle, thermoreceptor, and nociceptor, respectively. All these receptors detect stimuli, measure levels of stimuli, and transmit signals to the brain triggering reactions. The characteristic features of such human sensory system are quite complex to be mimicked by existing electronics. Development of such electronics will be a big step leading towards smart prosthetics and human-like robotics.

PainRelief.com:  What are the main findings? What are some of the potential uses for this ‘skin’?

Response: While some existing technologies have used electrical signals to mimic the skin receptors, these new devices can react to real mechanical pressure, temperature, and pain, and deliver the right electronic response.

This electronic skin enable replacement of affected human skin regions, augment skin sensitivity for agile applications in defense and sports, and drive advancements in intelligent robotics.