Smart textiles and surfaces: How lightweight elastomer films are bringing tech to life

A research team led by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki from Saarland University is using a highly versatile film not much thicker than household cling film to impart new capabilities to objects while saving energy in the process. When used in wearable textiles, these films can move and press against the skin, providing haptic feedback that can enhance the VR gaming experience by allowing players to feel textures, impacts and other physical sensations.