Glowing, digital tattoos have lengthy been a staple of science fiction, however we’ve lacked the expertise to soundly make them a actuality. Positive, there are UV tattoos that glow underneath blacklights, however these require an exterior mild supply. Nonetheless, such tattoos (in non permanent, stick-on kind) at the moment are potential due to developments in PCB and battery expertise. Kathrine Connell lately wowed us along with her Sprite Lights idea and now she’s teamed up with Artwork by Physicist to convey her wearable LED tattoos to Kickstarter.
This marketing campaign simply launched on Kickstarter and has a modest funding objective of $2,000, nevertheless it has already raised about half of that on the time of writing. We first grew to become conscious of Connell’s Sprite Lights when she entered the challenge into our TechFashion Design Problem 2023. Her challenge was a transparent winner for the “Out of the Field” prize. The objective of the competition was to show a maker’s prototype into an actual product and convey it to market, which is precisely what is going on right here with the assistance of Artwork by Physicist. We lately hosted Connell on Hackster Café, so remember to watch that.
Sprite Lights are “light-up physique artwork” stickers than customers can put on to specific themselves in a enjoyable new approach. Every Sprite Lights sticker has printed paintings dropped at life with illuminated LEDs. The design obtainable to Kickstarter backers has a trendy compass motif with a form of nebula background, however different designs will definitely change into obtainable sooner or later.
That is all potential thanks to 2 vital applied sciences: versatile PCBs and ultrathin, body-safe batteries. The PCBs, which host the LEDs, are skinny and versatile sufficient to suit the contours of the human physique and transfer with pores and skin. Zinergy batteries are additionally extremely skinny and versatile. And, extra importantly, they’re secure for this software. In contrast to conventional batteries, there isn’t any hazard of overheating brought on by harm. Actually, one might reduce the battery in half with out threat.
The PCB and the battery kind a sandwich with an adhesive backing and the printed paintings. Collectively, they create a versatile sticker than the consumer can place wherever on their physique. The battery ought to final at the least 4 hours, so it’s good for a complete evening out. These are, nonetheless, supposed to be single-use, so there isn’t any provision for recharging the battery or turning off the LEDs.
If you wish to get in on the enjoyable, the Kickstarter marketing campaign will run till April twenty eighth. Early chicken can get a three-pack of Sprite Lights for $35, or a five-pack for $55. These rewards ought to ship out in October.