Scientists develop solar-powered skin for prosthetic limbs

March 24, 2017

Researchers including Indian origin from University of Glasgow have developed new prototype prosthetic limbs having solar-powered skin.
The solar-powered skin will give amputees with prosthetic limbs a better sense capabilities of touch, temperature and texture compared to battery powered prosthetics.

Key Facts
  • The new technology involves installing a thin layer of pure carbon around a prosthetic arm, hand or leg. This allows light to pass through it and be easily used as solar energy.
  • The sun can provide up to 15 times more energy than is usually needed to power a prosthetic limb. This extra and renewable energy can be used to power sensors.
  • These sensors can increase sense and feeling in a limb, so much so that the prosthetic can feel pressure, temperature and texture like natural skin.
  • The technology also has potential to increase the functionality of robots, allowing them to have a better understanding of what they touch.
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