Kiosk Solutions Apr-May 2017 | Page 9

news Flexible touchscreens are the future of technology Last week, touchscreen technology reached a new level when scientists developed a transparent sensor that can be stretched and folded as much as you like, and still works perfectly. We already have pressure touch, where the sensor recognises if you are just tapping the screen gently or pushing down firmly, and hover touch, where you don’t have to physically touch the screen for it to react because it will sense your finger is near and react in the same way. And it is now time for a touchscreen that can bend, stretch and roll. Scientists at the University of British Columbia developed the small prototype using an extremely conductive gel sandwiched between layers of silicone. Many sensors are then attached to the material to create the finished prototype. The sample sensor measures 5x5cm, however because the materials are fairly cheap to buy, it could easily be scaled up to a bigger size, for things such as television screens. The scientists have also explained that no matter how much the prototype is stretched and folded, it will never lose its sensitivity to touch. This is great as it means there are very few limits to what the screen can be used for. The university’s main idea for creating this flexible technology is to use it within robots – to help them to become more human-like. For example, it could be used as a sensitive flesh like skin with the ability to grow real tissue. If robots were to have a more lifelike soft skin, then they would be much safer towards humans, which means they would then be able to be used in a wider range of areas such as health and medical care, and also be able to work with humans, rather than against them. This would be a huge relief for anyone who has concerns about the future of AI taking over our jobs. It’s not only robots that this technology could be used for, as the sensor can be placed on or over pretty much anything it means there are many different possibilities. Television and tablet screens are examples of day-to-day items that could be made using this technology and the University of British Columbia have shown this in a video they posted featuring a woman struggling to fit her tablet in her handbag, implying that it would be easier if she could simply fold the device. So, you never know, you might be folding up your next smartphone to make it fit in your wallet, or your new colleague could be a robot with real skin. Either way, the future of touchscreen technology is an interesting one that scientists will continue to work on for many years to come. n Elo Interactive Digital Signage Create the Right Customer Experience. Elo touch displays are attractive, professional-grade and durable, delivering the right digital experience with functionality you can depend on. Stunning Full HD multi-touch screens with beacon and gesture capabilities, perfect for use in retail and hospitality environments. Various sizes 10"-70" Stylish and thin Optional computer modules Visit Elo 2017 | Stand 10-N148 Visit Elo at at ISE RBTE 2017 | Stand 774 Contact us us to to book book a a meeting: meeting: [email protected] [email protected] Contact Elo Touch Elo Touch Solutions @EloEMEA © 2017 Elo Touch Solutions. Elo and the Elo logo are registered trademarks and EloView is a trademark of Elo Touch Solutions. 17011BEA00035 KIOSK solutions 9