DuoSkin smart tats are made from goldleaf and work with other devices. These temporary tech tattoos work with mobile devices like smartphones
(Photo from Duoskin)
In case you didn't know, temporary tech tattoos are a thing. There are current versions used in medical fields to detect things like blood alcohol levels and exposure to ultraviolet rays. Though they're innovative they pose problems, such as a high price and difficulty staying on the skin. Duoskin, a new tech tattoo created by designers from MIT Media Lab, with help from Microsoft Research, is supposed to be easier, more efficient, and fashionable.
The tattoos are made from goldleaf, which is cheap and easily affixes to the skin
(Photo from DuoSkin)
DuoSkin is a “smart tat” that acts as an interface with remote technology made out of goldleaf, which is cheap, to bring some extra style and serve as an efficient conductor. It affixes to the skin and works with smart devices, like your phone or tablet. Why would you want one? If taking your phone out of your pocket is too much of a hassle, you can adjust volume of music right from the tech tat.
These tattoos aren't just fashionable, but innovative as well
(Photo from DuoSkin)
It can also track user data and send it back to you, like a built in Fitbit. It has thermochromic display that changes color in reaction to heat, which reports body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. And if you're tired of checking the weather app for updates, the tech tat may report on your immediate environment by checking air quality, weather conditions, and alerts for any harmful substances. Finally, the tat could feature an NFC that can be read by phones or other devices for wireless communication.
Though they look cool, the tattoos last for about a day
(Photo from DuoSkin)
Based off the current trend of metallic temporary tattoos, the tech tats looks like intricate pieces of jewelry. MIT engineers created the tattoos by using graphic design software to sketch out the circuitry. They then use thin temporary tattoo paper to create stencils of the circuitry. Next they cut it with an electronic cutter and finish it with conductive gold leaf using spray adhesive. Just apply the tattoo to your skin using a water transfer technique, like other temp tats.
This design acts as an integrated FitBit
(Photo from DuoSkin)
Unlike current tech tattoos, the DuoSkin is supposed to be cheaper. The tools and materials are estimated to cost under $300. Considering the tattoo will only last for about a day, it's still a big investment. But after the necessary equipment is purchased, you will only have to pay for the materials, cutting down on costs. Right now, DuoSkin is being seen as a project rather than a product by MIT engineers. The developers want to make their research available as open source to encourage others to create more skin wearables.
DuoSkin is an innovative way to combine technology with fashion. But that's all it is, a fashion statement. It's probably not worth that much money to create a tattoo to do things you can already do on your smartphone, for only a day. If anything the tech behind the project is promising and hopefully be used for different, more practical, projects in the future.
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