Skin electronics#
Global Instructor: Katia Vega
Inspired by invisible computing, the augmentation of human capabilities and biological sensing, this module expands beyond wearable electronics to explore how living systems, biofabrication, electronics and advanced materials can create responsive interfaces between the human body and the environment.
Participants investigate biocompatible materials, biosensing and the topic of Beauty Technology, integrating microcontrollers and advanced cosmetic technologies, such as FX e-makeup, directly onto the skin, nails and hair, to transform the body’s surface into an interactive platform.
Program Outline#
- Introuction
- Projects
- Electronics on the skin
- RFID tags
- References
Tools/software#
- Multimeter
- Soldering iron (Soldering station)
- Pliers, wire stripper, flush snips, tweezers
- Vinyl cutter
- Embroidery / Sewing machine
- (PCB milling machine)
Materials#
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | Arduino UNO or ATtiny |
| ATtiny | ATtiny45 or ATtiny85 |
| AVR programmer | or Arduino UNO |
| XIAO | |
| Arduino kit | Arduino Starter kit |
| Adafruit Gemma | Gemma board |
| FTDI cable | or FTDI board |
| Neopixels | sewable Flora neopixels |
| Capacitor | Capacitor 10uF |
| Threads | resistive/conductive threads |
| Inks | resistive/conductive inks for e-make up |
| RFID tags | +RFID board and shield |
| Craft glue | E6000 |
| Liquid latex | for e-make up |
| Gold leaf sheet | for e-make up |
| Thermochromic ink | for e-make up |
| Actuators | Mini vibration motors, speakers… |
| Wires | jumpers, alligator clips wires |
Assignment#
- Document the concept, sketches, references also to artistic and scientific publications
- Design a skin circuit:
- Build your own version of the “Skin masquerade party” project or
- Build your own version of the “Twinkle Nails” project
- Document the project and included all source files and all materials used
- Make a video with your skin electronic working
- Make a performance of your project functioning
Evaluation and assessment#
Check the Assessment Criteria
References#
Fabricademy Tutorials - Skin Electronics
Last update: August 23, 2026