UT Austin Unveils Electronic Tattoos and Soft Robot Skin for Aging

Researchers showcase wearable tech and robotics designed to support older adults

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The University of Texas at Austin is showcasing emerging technologies that could transform life for older adults, including electronic tattoos that can monitor brain and heart activity, as well as soft robotic "skin" designed to allow machines to provide gentle, human-like care. Experts are discussing these advances at the intersection of aging, robotics and artificial intelligence during the Texas Science Festival.

Why it matters

As the U.S. faces a growing shortage of caregivers for the aging population, innovations in wearable tech and robotics could play a critical role in supporting older adults and addressing challenges like cardiovascular disease, dementia, and the need for compassionate in-home care.

The details

UT engineering researchers have developed ultra-thin, flexible electronic tattoos that can be printed directly onto the scalp to monitor brain and heart activity, offering an alternative to bulky traditional devices. The university's stretchable electronics lab has also created a thin electronic tattoo patch for continuous cardiovascular health monitoring. Additionally, the team is integrating AI into the sensors themselves to enable medical-grade monitoring without external devices. Beyond wearables, UT experts are working on soft robotic "skin" covered in sensors to allow machines to handle people gently and safely, with the goal of building caregiving robots capable of human-like touch and care.

  • The Texas Science Festival panel highlighting this work, 'Moonshot Ideas for AI and Robotics in Dementia Prevention and Care', is on February 27, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
  • In-person attendees will be served lunch at 11:30 a.m. on February 27, 2026.

The players

Pablo Vidal

A Ph.D. student at the University of Texas at Austin who is helping develop ultra-thin, flexible electronic tattoos.

Nanshu Lu

A professor at the University of Texas at Austin who leads the stretchable electronics lab and is developing wearable tech and new types of robot skin.

Sallie Rogallo

A retirement community resident who discusses how virtual reality can help older adults get out of their own environment and visit new places.

Tom Stevens

The founder of TomBot, a company creating lifelike robotic pets designed for people who can no longer safely care for real animals.

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What they’re saying

“For very short hair, we can use a printer to directly print the ink onto the scalp.”

— Pablo Vidal, Ph.D. student (KXAN)

“We can put this patch on the chest to monitor simultaneously and synchronously our electrical heart wave and our mechanical heartbeat.”

— Nanshu Lu, Professor (KXAN)

“It lets you get out of your own environment and either go to a new place or visit places where you've been.”

— Sallie Rogallo, Retirement community resident (Associated Press)

“I had to take away her dog for safety reasons. I looked around for substitutes for live animal companionship.”

— Tom Stevens, Founder, TomBot (Associated Press)

What’s next

The panel discussion at the Texas Science Festival on February 27, 2026 will explore how AI and robotics can be used in dementia prevention and care.

The takeaway

UT Austin's research into electronic tattoos, soft robot skin, and other emerging technologies demonstrates the potential for innovative wearables and robotics to transform aging and support older adults as the U.S. faces a growing shortage of caregivers.