Message from Prof. Sekine-sensei
Welcome to the Sekine Laboratory Website!
Established in 2023, the Sekine Laboratory is committed to harnessing the unique characteristics of organic materials - lightweight and flexible - to pioneer unprecedented electronic devices.
Our current research focuses on the development of thin-film sensor devices designed for applications such as wearables and implants, enabling integration with humans and robots alike.
These devices, known as "digital skin," replicate and mimic the exceptional functions of human skin, creating high-performance systems.
Through this innovation, we aim to enhance human skin capabilities and empower robots with skin functions that are equivalent to or surpass those of humans. By combining these advancements with cutting-edge AI technologies, we envision building future technologies that enable the automation of tactile and perceptual functions.
Introduction to Research Theme
Development of Digital Skin Mimicking Human Skin Functions
Our research focuses on the unique chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of various materials, including low molecular weight compounds and polymers, aiming to uncover unprecedented functionalities in the field of organic composite materials.In particular, we are advancing material formulation theories grounded in precise micro-interface design of diverse materials. This enables the development of organic composite materials that combine attractive functionalities with excellent thin-film forming capabilities.
Exploration of Functionalities in Precisely Designed Organic Materials
Our research aims to unveil unprecedented functionalities in the domain of organic composite materials, leveraging the unique chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of various substances, including low molecular weight compounds and polymers.Specifically, we advance material formulation theories based on precise micro-interface design across diverse materials, enabling the development of organic composite materials that possess both captivating functionalities and excellent thin-film forming capabilities.For example, we investigate intriguing properties that may appear contradictory, such as plastics capable of generating electricity upon touch or electrically conductive rubber. By applying these discoveries to organic electronic devices, we strive to pioneer a novel academic field within materials science.
Development and Application of Printing Techniques as an On-Demand Process
One sustainable manufacturing method for organic electronic devices is printing technology, which represents a next-generation technique that is both material-saving and energy-efficient. By simply applying solution-based materials (inks), devices can be constructed with remarkable simplicity.This research theme involves optimizing the processes and production of thin, lightweight, and flexible devices through techniques such as screen printing and inkjet printing. Furthermore, we explore the potential for applying various composite materials developed in our laboratory to printing methods, emphasizing both high performance and low environmental impact.
Development of Novel Intelligent Sensing Systems through Integration with Information Technology
This research aims to create innovative systems for information detection and analysis by combining organic electronic devices, such as sensors and transistors, with AI technologies for processing the digital signals they generate.Specifically, in application fields such as robotics and healthcare, we utilize wearable (attachable) and implantable organic electronic devices to detect a variety of signals in real time. These signals are analyzed using AI to explore their meanings, efficient utilization methods, and broader implications. Additionally, we are engaged in the development of flexible devices equipped with communication capabilities, further advancing their practical applications.
