Advances in materials for haptic skin electronics

The advances in wearable and skin-integrated electronics bring new opportunities in virtual and augmented reality beyond traditional audiovisual modes, in which the haptic interface can be worn on the body to provide a more immersive virtual reality experience. Exploration of different materials and methods has greatly improved the precision and degrees of haptic sensations in skin electronics, enhancing the realism of tactile experiences for immersing in the virtual world. However, haptic technology based on skin electronics still faces numerous challenges, such as biocompatibility, functionality, and smart applications. This perspective provides insights on the applications of materials and designs in various haptic skin electronics and then outlines the challenges and prospects of existing haptic skin electronics. It begins with a brief review of the development of haptic devices, from early industrial applications to advanced wearable skin electronics. After that, we summarize the materials used in the haptic skin electronics from the perspectives of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and others. Finally, we discuss the challenges of existing haptic skin electronics and outlook on the potential implementation methods for overcoming these challenges to enhance the overall haptic experience in realizing haptic feeling. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.