Pedro Henrique Wink Reis

pwinkre@ncsu.edu B.S., Chemical Engineering, 2022 University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrohwr/

Research Project: Hydrogel-Based Wearable Tactile Sensors

Our research focuses on developing hydrogel-based wearable tactile sensors for applications in healthcare, soft robotics, virtual reality (VR), and human-computer interaction (HCI).

Current sensors face several significant challenges: (i) they are often made from stiff materials that do not conform well to the natural movement of human skin, leading to discomfort and reduced functionality; (ii) they are typically constructed from non-sustainable materials, contributing to the growing problem of plastic and electronic waste; (iii) the lack of biocompatibility in many existing sensors limits their application in wearable devices.

Our hydrogel-based tactile sensor addresses these issues by offering a soft, flexible material that matches the mechanical properties of human skin, resulting in greater comfort and functionality. These sensors are also biocompatible, making them safer for prolonged use, and biodegradable, providing a sustainable alternative that reduces the environmental impact associated with the widespread adoption of wearable technology. Through this project, we aim to create a more user-friendly and eco-conscious solution for future sensor technology.