Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru have created a groundbreaking wearable device that can detect stress. This innovative technology, developed by an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, mimics the way neurons and synapses work in the human body.
The device, called a Neuromorphic device, is built using a silver wire network embedded in a stretchable material. It can sense strain, replicate pain responses, and adapt its electrical signals accordingly.
“These pain-like responses in the device open the door for future smart wearable systems that could help doctors monitor stress levels,” the researchers explained.
How Does It Work?
When the material is stretched, small gaps form in the silver network, temporarily disrupting the electrical pathway. To reconnect these gaps, an electric pulse is applied, which “fills” the breaks and remembers the event.
Each time the device undergoes stretching and reconnection, it adjusts its response, much like how the human body adapts to repeated pain. This unique feature allows the device to mimic memory and adaptation, making it more intelligent and responsive to its surroundings.
The details of this study were published in Materials Horizons, a journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
The device combines both sensing and adaptive response into a single, flexible unit, offering a more efficient way for technology to interact with its environment. Unlike traditional setups requiring multiple sensors, this streamlined approach simplifies health monitoring and feedback systems.
According to the researchers, the device could lead to advanced health monitoring tools that “feel” stress like the human body does. These systems could provide real-time feedback to users or doctors, improving overall health management.
Benefits for Health and Robotics
Stress is a major factor in many health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. Learning to manage stress is crucial for mental and physical well-being, and this wearable technology could play a key role in achieving that.
Beyond healthcare, the researchers believe this technology could also enhance robotic systems. By making machines more intuitive and responsive, it could improve safety and collaboration between humans and robots in various industries.
