Scientists develop ‘smart’ wearable device that mimics human pain response – ET HealthWorld


Bengaluru: Researchers in Bengaluru have created an innovative wearable device that can detect and adapt to stress, mimicking how the human body processes pain. The innovation, say researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), could revolutionize health monitoring and improve human-machine interaction.

The human body’s pain response system is remarkably sophisticated. Special sensors called nociceptors detect pain and help us respond to harmful situations, while our nervous system gradually adapts to repeated stimuli through habituation; You essentially learn to feel less pain over time.

Inspired by this biological system, JNCASR researchers created an artificial version. Their device uses a network of silver wires embedded in a stretchable material. When stretched, the material creates gaps in the silver network, temporarily disrupting electrical connections. Surprisingly, the device can “heal” these gaps and adjust its response over time, similar to how humans become less sensitive to repeated pain.

What makes this technology particularly interesting is its simplicity. Unlike traditional sensors that require complex external systems, this device combines sensing and adaptation in a single, flexible unit. When you stretch, you not only sense tension, you learn from it and create a more natural and intuitive response over time.

JNCASR is an autonomous institute under the department of science and technology. “This technology combines sensing and adaptive response in a single, flexible unit. It is an important step towards creating materials that can intelligently respond to their environment,” DST said.

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The potential applications are far-reaching. The device could lead to advanced health monitoring systems that provide real-time information to medical professionals about a patient’s stress levels. It could also improve safety in robotics by making machines more responsive to physical interactions.

The research was published in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) journal Materials Horizons, and the research team believes their innovation could pave the way for more intuitive and responsive wearable technology in healthcare and beyond.

  • Posted on January 18, 2025 at 1:21 PM IST

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