Mark Ward, technology correspondent for the BBC news reports today that by using the skin as a surface, US researchers have found a way to use the skin as an input device. The system is currently called "Skinput".  Chris Hanson, Skinput's creator, said that he created the system to overcome the problems of interacting with devices we carry around with us all day.  For example, you are jogging along with your iPod and want to increase the volume- so you tap your right index finger and thumb together to increase volume and left to decrease volume.  The creator also sees that the sensors can be used as a micro-projector that uses the forearm or hand as a display surface.  Also, you can use skinput to play tetris by tapping fingers to rotate blocks.

I think this type of sensor has great potential for hand and finger rehabilitation and for helping folks with disabilities interact with their environment more easily.  First, imagine if your therapist wanted you to pick up a bunch of paperclips as part of your home exercise program- how about turning that into "today I want you to play Tetris for 30 minutes, using your fingers" as your home exercise program.  When interacting with the environment, it is often impossible for people with disabilities to reach over and turn on/off a light switch, but what if they just needed to tap their right arm to increase light or left forearm to turn off the lights- this technology takes the "Clapper" to a whole new level!

Here is a link to Chris Harrison's page (and video):  www.chrisharrison.net/projects/skinput/

I will try to keep you posted on this groups advances with the development of this device.

What are your thougths?  Reply below!