Scientists develop solar-powered skin for prosthetic limbs

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 Points

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.

Current Affairs 24th March, 2017
Current Affairs Round Up Bullet Points, February, 2016