Skin Electronics: Next‐Generation Device Platform for Virtual and Augmented Reality

Kim, Jae Joon Wang Yan Wang Haoyang Lee Sunghoon Yokota Tomoyuki Someya Takao

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are overcoming the physical limits of real‐life using advances in devices and software. In particular, the recent restrictions in transportation from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic are making people more interested in these virtual experiences. However, to minimize the differences between artificial and natural perception, more human‐interactive and human‐like devices are necessary. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and interacts with the environment as the site of interfacing and sensing. Recent progress in skin electronics has enabled the use of the skin as the mounting object of functional devices and the signal pathway bridging humans and computers, with opening its potential in future VR and AR applications. In this review, the current skin electronics are summarized as one of the most promising device solutions for future VR/AR devices, especially focusing on the recent materials and structures. After defining and explaining VR/AR systems and the components, the advantages of skin electronics for VR/AR applications are emphasized. Next, the detailed functionalities of skin electronic devices, including the input, output, energy devices, and integrated systems, are reviewed for future VR/AR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Advanced Functional Materials is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)