Electronic Skin Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Product (Electronic Skisuits, Electronic Patches), By Component (Stretchable Circuits, Photovoltaic Systems, Stretchable Conductors, Electroactive Polymers), By Sensors (Tactile Sensors, Chemical Sensors, Electrophysiological Sensors, Others), By Application (Health, Monitoring Systems, Drug Delivery Systems, Cosmetics), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The electronic skin market was valued at US$9.075 billion in 2021.

Electronic skin describes self-healing advanced and flexible electronic solutions that can mimic the properties and capabilities of human or animal skin. Electronic skin products find applicability in cosmetics, drug delivery, and health monitoring system. The advancements in robotics technology, increased investment in healthcare-related research and development, and innovative breakthroughs in electronic skin technology are propelling the electronic skin industry's growth.

Advancement in robotics drives the electronic skin market growth.

Robots are increasingly employed in diverse settings, from healthcare and manufacturing to domestic assistance and rehabilitation therapy. As these applications become more nuanced, the demand for robots with more advanced sensory perception and interaction capabilities grows. Electronic skin, with its ability to mimic the tactile sensitivity of human skin, offers a solution to this need. It enables robots to sense and respond to their environment in a more nuanced and human-like way, improving their efficiency and safety in various tasks. For instance, in March 2023, scientists at the University of Edinburgh developed an electronic skin that would potentially lead the way for the creation of soft, adaptable robotic devices capable of feeling tactile sensations.

Investment in healthcare-related R&D bolsters the electronic skin market

Investment in healthcare-related research and development (R&D) plays a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the electronic skin industry. A significant portion of this funding is directed toward creating and refining cutting-edge technologies like electronic skin that can enhance patient care and monitoring. As the technology matures through these R&D activities, electronic skin's potential for adoption in various healthcare applications broadens, ranging from improved health monitoring devices to more sophisticated prosthetics. This cycle of investment, innovation, and application also opens up new possibilities for patient care, wellness, and disease management. For instance, in 2021, Wootzano obtained a £1.2 million grant from the UK government for a robotic e-skin.

Innovative breakthroughs in electronic skin technology drive the market

Advancements in materials, sensors, and integration techniques have led to more flexible, sensitive, and durable electronic skins. These advancements enable electronic skin to find widespread applications in healthcare, robotics, wearable technology, virtual reality, and beyond, thereby fuelling its demand and market expansion. Moreover, the continuous evolution of electronic skin technology fosters innovation, attracting more investment and driving further growth in the industry. For example, In June 2022, a UK-based research team announced the development of an electronic skin with the unique capability to sense "pain". The team anticipates that this innovation could guide a new era of intelligent robots equipped with human-like sensitivity.

Asia-Pacific is predicted to dominate the electronic skin market.

The Asia Pacific region is asserting dominance in the electronic skin industry, driven by a series of strategic initiatives taken by leading economies to accelerate the development and commercialization of electronic skin technologies. For instance, in August 2022, Amorepacific in a joint venture with MIT pioneered the development of the chip-less and wireless wearable electronic skin which is capable of monitoring skin conditions and transmitting data without the need for embedded circuit chips or batteries. Additionally, in May 2023 Monash University, Australia created an innovative ultra-thin skin patch aimed at monitoring health. This cutting-edge technology represents a non-invasive and convenient approach to tracking and assessing various health parameters.

Complexity and malfunctioning may restrain the electronic skin market growth.

Defects in robots equipped with electronic skin pose a significant challenge that could potentially restrain the growth of the electronic skin industry. These defects may arise due to malfunctions or failure in the electronic skin, resulting in impaired sensory inputs. This could jeopardize the robot's ability to interact safely and effectively with its environment. For instance, a robot might mishandle objects, apply excessive force, or fail to respond appropriately to external stimuli. In certain situations, such as in healthcare where robots are in close interaction with people, these defects can lead to accidents.

Key Developments

• September 2022: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) developed an electronic skin with a unique mesh structure that allows for prolonged attachment without causing any discomfort. This innovation takes the form of an ultra-thin, breathable nanomesh organic field-effect transistor (OFET), a cutting-edge technology specifically designed for application in electronic skin devices. The breakthrough signifies a major stride in the field, potentially broadening the scope and enhancing the usability of electronic skin devices.
• March 2020: A team of scientists from Japan and Germany engineered an ultra-thin, flexible, and highly sensitive electronic skin. The primary objective of this innovation is to emulate biological skin by incorporating a comprehensive set of electronic functional sensors, enabling it to interact with the environment in much the same way as natural skin.

Company Products

• Electronic Skin Patches:  Tapecon offers electronic skin patches that are lightweight, flexible, and adhere to the user's skin using biocompatible adhesives. These patches provide a range of applications, including sensing motion and position, monitoring vital signs, and detecting temperature changes. Additionally, they can be utilized for the delivery of drugs or cosmetics, monitoring newborns, facilitating smart wound care, and general sensing activities. These diverse functionalities make these electronic skin patches incredibly versatile tools for healthcare and wellness applications.
• Flexible Electronic Skin Patches: Hudson Medical Innovations offers flexible electronic skin patches that are generally smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than conventional wearable devices, making them less intrusive for users. These patches, which can be tailored for single, short-term, or long-term usage, cater to a wide array of applications. They are capable of detecting motion and position, monitoring vital signs and body temperature, and can also be employed in the delivery of drugs or cosmetics. Furthermore, they find utility in newborn monitoring, smart wound care, and various other general sensing tasks. These attributes make the electronic skin patches from Hudson Medical Innovations versatile tools in the realm of healthcare and wellness.
• e-skin Healthcare: Xenoma's "e-skin" healthcare offering, a type of smart apparel, is designed with a vision to establish a world where reliable healthcare services can be accessed simply by donning everyday clothing. This innovative solution merges the worlds of fashion and health, revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered and experienced.

Electronic Skin Market Scope:

Segmentation

• By Product
  • Electronic Skisuits
  • Electronic Patches
• By Component
  • Stretchable Circuits
  • Photovoltaic Systems
  • Stretchable Conductors
  • Electroactive Polymers
• By Sensors
  • Tactile Sensors
  • Chemical sensors
  • Electrophysiological Sensors
  • Others
• By Application
  • Health Monitoring Systems
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Cosmetics
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Others