Research

A bioinspired stretchable membrane-based compliance sensor

Prof. Zhenan Bao et al demonstrate a novel sensor that can differentiate the pliability of various objects to be grasped by a robot.

Rational design of capacitive pressure sensors based on pyramidal microstructures for specialized monitoring of biosignals

Prof. Zhenan Bao et al develop a model to predict sensor performance trends prior to device fabrication and demonstrate the method can be used to preferentially design a pressure sensor for in vitro pulse sensing.

Combinatorial polyacrylamide hydrogels for preventing biofouling on implantable biosensors

Prof. Eric Appel, Prof. Tom Soh et al identify and validate the utility of a hydrogel formulation for improving the in vitro and in vivo performance of biosensor devices.

An electroencephalographic (EEG) signature predicts antidepressant response in major depression

Amit Etkin et al identify an EEG signature in persons with depression that predicts whether the antidepressant sertraline will be effective for the individual.

A novel approach for reducing body fat

Prof. Ada Poon et al demonstrate a proof-of-concept, wireless implantable device in mice that uses light to mimic the effects of cold for reducing body fat.

Creating metal molds for directional gecko-inspired adhesives

Prof. Mark Cutkosky et al describe a novel process for creating multi-use, metal molds for the fabrication of dry adhesives that require microscopic, wedge-shapes and other challenging features.

Efficient and trustworthy social navigation via explicit and implicit robot–human communication

Prof. Allison Okamura, Prof. Dorsa Sadigh and Yuhang Che present a planning framework for navigation in which a robot communicates its intent to yield to a human crossing its path through the human’s wearable haptic interface and by slowing down.

Decoupling of mechanical properties and ionic conductivity in supramolecular lithium ion conductors

Profs Yi Cui, Zhenan Bao et al demonstrate an intrinsically stretchable Li ion battery and discuss the SLIC system of tough ion-conducting materials for future conformable and stretchable electrochemical devices.

Recent progress and future prospects for skin-attachable devices for health monitoring, robotics, and prosthetics

Prof. Zhenan Bao et al provide a thorough review of e-skin research and summarize current challenges for enabling future technology.

Wearable organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) sensor patch for human perspiration

Prof. Alberto Salleo et al report the integration of ammonium and calcium ion‐selective membranes with an OECT for multiplexed sensing of NH4+ and Ca2+ in sweat with high sensitivity and selectivity.