A research team led by Professor Stefan Seelecke at Saarland University has developed a smart polymer film that can serve as a medium for communication between humans and machines without additional sensors or cameras. The film, which is only 50 microns thick, can be applied to surfaces and provide the computer with information while also providing feedback to the user in the form of haptic signals or acoustic signals.
The technology has various applications, including incorporating the film into gloves for virtual communication and control in virtual reality environments. The team has also developed a pullover that uses the film to transmit hugs and strokes to children in hospital isolation units. Additionally, the film can be used in industrial environments to facilitate gesture recognition and grip strength measurements.
The silicone polymer film is printed with an electrically conductive material that responds to changing electric fields while exhibiting low power consumption. When the film compresses, it extends laterally, altering its electrical capacitance, which imparts sensor properties to the film without additional technology. The film’s motions can be controlled, ranging from high-frequency vibrations to slow pulsing or flexing motions, and generating individual acoustic tones.
Simulating Physical Buttons and Switches on Touchscreens
One of the most promising applications of this technology is its integration into touchscreens. By using the film to provide haptic feedback, the touchscreen can simulate physical buttons and switches, providing a more intuitive and natural interaction with the user. This could have a meaningful impact on the way we interact with touchscreens, making them feel more like physical objects and reducing the need for physical controls all together.
Overall, this technology has immense potential for various applications, including gaming, virtual reality, industry, and medical care. As the research team continues to develop and improve the film’s capabilities, the researchers hope it may become a vital component in the evolution of human-machine communication.
The research team will be exhibiting their multifunctional technology at this year’s Hannover Messe from 17 April to 21 April (Hall 2, Stand B34).
