# Sensory Paper Skins A Team of Researchers Created an Artificial Skin from Household Items By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-02-23 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-skin References: [spectrum.ieee.org](http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/devices/paper-skin-mimics-the-real-thing) A research team from Saudi Arabia's [King Abdullah University of Science and Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell) (KAUST) created a "paper skin" that's able to mimic some of the complex sensory functions that human skin can perform. Amazingly enough, the Saudi Arabian research team was able to assemble the paper skin using only a handful of common household objects like aluminum foil, sticky notes, sponges and napkins. In total, the unit would cost under $2 to assemble. On the topic of cost, Muhammad Mustafa, an electrical engineer KAUST notes: "Its impact is beyond low cost: simplicity. My vision is to make electronics simple to understand and easy to assemble so that ordinary people can participate in innovation.” The technology behind this artificial paper skin has the potential to greatly enhance a number of devices, including wearables, touchscreen devices, [prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bionic-hand) and robots of the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Artificial Skin:** The creation of artificial skin using common household objects presents disruptive innovation opportunities in fields such as robotics and prosthetics. - **Sensory Function Mimicry:** The ability to mimic complex sensory functions of human skin using inexpensive materials opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in wearables and touchscreen devices. - **Low-cost Electronics:** The concept of assembling electronics using low-cost, easily accessible materials has potential for disruptive innovation in the field of consumer electronics and innovation participation by ordinary people. ### Where This Applies - **Robotics:** The development of artificial skin can revolutionize the field of robotics by allowing robots to have a sense of touch and improve their interaction with the environment. - **Prosthetics:** Inexpensive artificial skin could lead to disruptive innovation in prosthetics, making them more affordable and capable of simulating the sense of touch for amputees. - **Wearable Technology:** The ability to mimic sensory functions of human skin could disrupt the wearable technology industry, enabling more immersive and interactive experiences for users. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Robot Skin Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reskin.md) - [Electronic Skin Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skinsight.md) - [AI-Enabled Smart Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-smart-bandages.md) - [Tunable Insulating Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squid-skin.md) - [Low-Energy Colorful Electronic Paper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eskin-anycolor.md) - [Comprehensive Tactile Sensing Infrastructure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-sensing-infrastructure.md) - [Paper-Made Circuit Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/singleuse-circuit-board.md) - [Tactile-Focused Embodied AI Infrastructures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-sensing.md) - [Fingertip Haptic Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voxelite.md)