University of Colorado

Zhanan Zou

Jianliang Xiao

Wei Zhang

Dana Stamo

Andres Villada

Chengpu Zhu

Systems and methods for a shape-memory in-ear biosensor for polysomnography and monitoring physiological signals are provided. Various embodiments include an earpiece made from a shape memory or temperature-dependent phase transition material embedded into polydimethylsiloxane elastomer body. The earpiece can use electrodes to detect physiological signals by making direct contact with a user's skin and without the use of electrically conductive gel. When heated above the glass transition temperature of the shape memory polymer, various embodiments of the biosensor may be folded. When cooled, the biosensor will maintain the folded shape. The folded biosensor may then be inserted into the ear canal of a user where, in response to heating by the user's body, it partially unfolds to conform to the shape of the ear canal.

Shape-memory in-ear biosensor for monitoring physiological signals

Methods, systems, and methods of manufacture for soft robotic actuators are described herein. In one aspect, a soft robotic actuator can include an elastomeric material defining a cavity; a volume of liquid metal (LM) positioned within the cavity; and an energy source coupled to the LM, where the energy source is adapted or configured to alter a temperature of the volume of LM, whereby altering the temperature of the volume of LM initiates an actuation of the elastomeric material.

Systems and methods of soft robotic actuation with a liquid metal actuator

In one aspect, the invention provides a healable, recyclable and malleable e-skin. In certain embodiments, the e-skin comprises sensors that can detect at least one applied stimulus. In other embodiments, the e-skin comprises a dynamic covalent thermo set doped with a nano-particle composition, thereby rendering the doped thermoset conductive. The e-skin of the invention has potential applicability to the fields of robotics, prosthetics, health monitoring, biomedical devices and consumer products.

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Boulder, CO, United States of America

Zhanan Zou