
This eye-catching “smart tattoo” from Microsoft is a thin wearable that could fit identification tags and card readers into a small, stylish package. A team of researchers at MIT’s Media Lab developed a new fabrication process that can create NFC tags and circuitry on paper-thin on-body electronics, similar to temporary tattoos. Their research was published by Microsoft on May 2.
Their goal is to make the materials necessary for the Tattio technology effective and affordable. They’ve brought the cost of making an NFC tag down to $1.50, including customization for individuals who want different aesthetic designs or capabilities.
They do this by gilding gold imitation leaf onto tattoo paper, and cutting out stencil traces using a tabletop Silhouette Cameo Cutter. The stencils are covered with a layer of coverseal film, which is cut at the same time. Metal foil is attached to tattoo paper with spray adhesive, and the stencil is then peeled off. The RFID chip is placed on top, with layers of tattoo paper above it.
In their first user study, the researchers gave people NFC tags with antennas and invited them to decorate their own. This personal touch also extended to a “digital identity” made up of an image and text that could be stored in the tag. The customizable aspect needed to be tested for not only how it physically stood up to the test of time – the tags remained in place for a day without any discomfort to the participants – but also for how people felt “excitement and concern” due to “feeling cyborged.”
The team is going to continue working on making Tattio into something that can be commercialized. The NFC antennas that fit within the tattoos are easily customizable for different sizes, although the amount of power harvested must be balanced with the size. A smaller antennae will harvest less power, but might look less obtrusive – or just right covered in gold.