Electronic skin for tactile interactions in human-machine interfaces
Project Description
Flexible and stretchable electronics can transform rigid, bulky circuits into thin, soft, skin-like systems known as electronic skin (E-skin). E-skin opens new possibilities in healthcare monitoring, energy harvesting, robotics, and human–machine interaction.
In this project, students will develop advanced E-skin systems for tactile sensing and feedback, combining functional materials, microfabrication, soft mechanics, electronics, and AI. The goal is to build closed-loop tactile interfaces that allow users and machines to “feel” and respond to each other in real time, enabling applications such as virtual touch in VR and remote perception in robotic teleoperation.
In this project, students will develop advanced E-skin systems for tactile sensing and feedback, combining functional materials, microfabrication, soft mechanics, electronics, and AI. The goal is to build closed-loop tactile interfaces that allow users and machines to “feel” and respond to each other in real time, enabling applications such as virtual touch in VR and remote perception in robotic teleoperation.
Supervisor
YAO, Kuanming
Quota
2
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
Applicant's Roles
Design, fabricate and develop soft electronic circuits, sensors, software, user interfaces and robotic platforms.
Applicants must take safety training courses (MC03, 07, 17), before joining the project.
Applicants must take safety training courses (MC03, 07, 17), before joining the project.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
Students will gain hands-on experience in preparing electronic skin and tactile sensors, while learning how to build a complete closed-loop system that connects sensing, signal processing, data visualization, analysis, and output feedback. Through this project, students will develop practical skills in soft device fabrication, sensor characterization, system integration, and intelligent tactile interface design.
Complexity of the project
Challenging