Latest developments and trends in electronic skin devices

Abstract

The skin, a vital medium for human-environment communication, stands as an indispensable and pivotal element in the realms of both production and daily life. As the landscape of science and technology undergoes gradual evolution and the demand for seamless human-machine interfaces continues to surge, an escalating need emerges for a counterpart to our biological skin - electronic skins (e-skins). Achieving high-performance sensing capabilities comparable to our skin has consistently posed a formidable challenge. In this article, we systematically outline fundamental strategies enabling e-skins with capabilities including strain sensing, pressure sensing, shear sensing, temperature sensing, humidity sensing, and self-healing. Subsequently, complex e-skin systems and current major applications were briefly introduced. We conclude by envisioning the future trajectory, anticipating continued advancements and transformative innovations shaping the dynamic landscape of e-skin technology. This article provides a profound insight into the current state of e-skins, potentially inspiring scholars to explore new possibilities.