HYDERABAD: The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) today said that its researchers have developed a low cost, artificial electronic skin (e-skin) which mimics the functionality of the human skin.
It stated that this "e-skin" is beneficial for acid attack and burn victims in cases where the skin is permanently damaged and loses functionality.
According to a release from IITH, Professor Sushmee Badhulika, Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering was last week honoured with the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Young Engineer Award in this connection.
Prof Badhulika said, "The e-skin mimics the functionality of the human skin in terms of sensing even minor pressure and strain variations. It is based on natural rubber which is low-cost and biodegradable." She elaborated that these devices can be adapted in applications where cost, resources and energy are limited.
The IITH release said that the award was in recognition of her notable contribution in the field of flexible and wearable nanoelectronics and eco-friendly paper-based electronics.
It added that the award is presented annually by the academy to young engineers for outstanding contributions in the field of engineering research and technology development.
It consists of a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, a citation and recognition as an INAE Young Associate till the awardee attains 45 years of age, the release added.