Singapore Institute of Technology, Nanyang Technological University, and Procter&Gamble collaborate to develop the first skin tactile sensor for measurement

The Singapore Technology Research Council has collaborated with Nanyang Technological University and American consumer goods giant Procter&Gamble to develop the first wearable sensor for measuring skin touch.

In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Procter&Gamble Singapore Innovation Center, the aforementioned institutions and universities have launched the wearable sensor "HapSense", which is still under patent application, and have renewed a five-year Master Research Collaboration Agreement.

Chen Shenghui, Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Culture, Community and Youth Affairs, was invited to witness the signing ceremony on Wednesday (April 17th). He said in his speech, "Procter&Gamble, New Research and their partners realize the power of collaboration and the need to further strengthen innovation capabilities. Last year, they decided to renew this agreement and provide a total of 20 million yuan in joint funding for collaborative research projects

Since 2013, Procter&Gamble, the Singapore Agency for Science and Technology Research (A * STAR), various higher education institutions in Singapore, and healthcare groups have signed general research cooperation agreements. The development of HapSense is one of the many achievements of Procter&Gamble's long-term cooperation with New Research.

Procter&Gamble Chief Scientist Gong Suxuan (47 years old) said in an interview that this instrument will help accelerate the speed at which scientists analyze skincare cosmetics, about 10 times faster than existing technology, and at a lower cost with higher accuracy. She said, "HapSense can accurately, objectively, and quantitatively measure tactile sensation, thereby digitizing skin tactile sensation

The sensor utilizes advanced soft electronic technology and is designed as a stamp ring that can be worn on fingertips. The sensor component of the device is connected to a module similar to a smartwatch. When the sensor passes over the skin or any surface, the device can capture real-time data related to friction and pressure, thereby understanding the effect of skincare products on the skin.

He said, "HapSense was once used to detect patients with scleroderma, a disease that can cause the skin to become hard, stiff, and even affect internal organs, leading to organ dysfunction. By observing the condition of the skin through instruments, we can better understand the progression of the disease

Source: Sensor Expert Network