Researchers from the University of Minnesota have recently developed a way to place electronics directly onto a person's skin by using a custom-made concept portable 3D printer. Developed with soldiers in mind, the portable 3D printer is being pushed as an incredible tool for soldiers on the field. The ability to print almost anything while out in the field can prove immensely useful and the ability to print directly onto the skin can ensure that sensors can be constructed and applied immediately.
Early demonstrations of the portable 3D printer have shown the printer's ability to work on a moving hand and how the entire process works. By placing tracking markers on the hand, each acts like a map and guides the 3D printers that adds layers of conductive ink with silver flakes that cure at room temperature. The concept portable 3D printer can also do more than print technological items as it also works for medical needs and can successfully print biological cells onto wounds.
Image Credit: University of Minnesota
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Portable 3D Printing
- The concept portable 3D printer offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for creating on-the-go solutions in various industries.
- On-skin Printing
- The ability to print directly onto the skin opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in wearable technology and medical industries.
- Printing Functional Biological Tissues
- The concept portable 3D printer's ability to print biological cells onto wounds presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the medical field.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Defense and Military
- The use of portable 3D printers in the field can revolutionize the way soldiers access and create essential tools and sensors.
- Wearable Technology
- On-skin printing can enable the development of innovative wearable devices and sensors, paving the way for enhanced biometric monitoring and data collection.
- Medical Technology
- The concept portable 3D printer's ability to print functional biological tissues has the potential to accelerate advancements in wound healing and regenerative medicine.
