Imagine being able to write on the computer without having to touch any kind of keyboard. Science fiction? Researchers at Stanford University have developed a "smart skin" that can be sprayed, capable of making this incredible achievement possible. The spray, presented above Nature Electronics (I'll link the study here), is made of a biocompatible material that can be spread over a hand or arm like regular sunscreen. Thanks to artificial intelligence, this smart skin can literally detect the intentions of the "wearer". What keys do you want to type? How do you want to interact? Think and you will get.
A “nanonet” that moves in unison with us
The formulation through a biocompatible spray, which creates a real flexible nanonetwork, is extremely thinner than other electronic interfaces (I'm thinking of haptic gloves, for example). And not only that: it is also less invasive and easy to use in the long term. Of course, it still has limitations in the accuracy of the answer, you can take a look for yourself in the video you find in this article. This sprayable skin is unlikely to replace keyboards and various peripherals anytime soon if it isn't optimized.
What's the secret? Lots of tiny ones sensors that detect movements and transmit data to a artificial intelligence which collects and interprets them. I find it a truly remarkable approach: and all in all, he's only now taking his first steps.
Not just keyboards
At a glance, there are many future applications of such technology. It's not just a way to control keyboards: this extraordinary smart skin spray would also allow you to manage apps on your smartphone. It could even be used for virtual reality applications and, unlike VR gloves, it would offer a much more pleasant aesthetic for our hands.
But its potential does not end there: this technology could lead to a myriad of new opportunities, not only in the field of interaction with mobile devices, but also in making the augmented and mixed reality experience even more engaging and immersive. The only limit is my imagination: luckily I won't be the one to develop this stuff. Enjoy.
