The Era of Bending is Followed by "Stretching": From Robotic Skin to Wearable Healthcare — "50% Stretch" and High Color Reproduction Achieved with Quantum Dots × Polymer Integration

A research team led by DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology) in South Korea has developed a new method to chemically cross-link quantum dots (QD) with stretchable polymers. This approach addresses previous challenges such as particle aggregation and color bleeding, achieving a color conversion layer (CCL) with over 99% color conversion efficiency even under 50% strain and a high resolution of 313 PPI. The team integrated this with a micro-LED array to operate a full-color stretchable display. They also demonstrated real-time pressure detection in applications like robotic skin and wearable biosensors. The findings were published in Advanced Materials (as introduced by Phys.org on September 8). However, for mass production, challenges such as uniform coating, fine patterning, and long-term reliability evaluation are crucial. On social media, some praised the 313 PPI resolution as higher than LG's 50% stretch prototype (100 PPI), while others expressed cautious views regarding the steps to actual products, toxicity regulations, and costs. This research, which combines stretchability with high image quality, brings the practical use of **“wearable displays”** closer to reality.