In a pioneering development, researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru have created a wearable device that mimics the human body’s pain response to sense stress. This technology uses a network of silver wires embedded in a flexible material, capable of detecting, adapting, and “learning” from stress over time, much like how the human nervous system responds to repeated pain.
The device operates by forming tiny gaps in the silver network when stretched, disrupting its electrical conductivity. By applying a pulse of electricity, the silver reconnects the gaps, creating a "memory" of the event. Over repeated cycles, the device adapts its responses, closely imitating the natural process of pain habituation in humans, where sensitivity to repeated stress diminishes over time.
This unique ability to sense and adapt within a single, flexible unit eliminates the need for external sensors or additional equipment, making the device highly efficient. Its real-time stress detection has transformative potential in healthcare, enabling doctors to monitor patient stress levels instantly. This technology could be especially valuable in high-risk scenarios, offering early warnings or insights into physical or emotional states.
Beyond healthcare, the device’s human-like sensory responses could revolutionize robotics, allowing machines to intuitively interact with their environment. Such “smart” materials could enhance safety and functionality, reducing errors and accidents in human-machine collaborations.
Published in Materials Horizons, this innovation marks a significant leap toward creating technology that is not only adaptive but also human-centric, blending seamlessly into healthcare and robotics to enhance efficiency, safety, and responsiveness.
