BIND interface universal connector allows simple assembly of stretchable devices

Stretchable devices including soft robots and wearable healthcare devices are assembled using several different modules with different material characteristics that can be soft, rigid, or encapsulated.

Commercial adhesives currently used to connect the modules often either fail to transmit mechanical and electrical signals reliably when deformed or break easily. To create a reliably functioning device, module connectors must be custom-built with enough strength to perform their intended tasks.  

Making easily assembled stretchable devices without compromising their strength and reliability under stress has been a long-standing challenge limiting their development.

Now, the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)-led team reports BIND, an interface that makes assembly of stretchable devices simple while reportedly offering excellent mechanical and electrical performance.

In a statement, lead author of the study, Chen Xiaodong, NTU Singapore School of Materials Science and Engineering, said: “Any electronic module bearing the BIND interface can be connected simply by pressing them together for less than 10 seconds. Moreover, we do away with the cumbersome process of building customised interfaces for specific systems, which we believe will help accelerate the development of stretchable devices.”