Scientists have successfully managed to create a smart skin patch that can cool down or warm up the wearer – and it could save people thousands of dollars in utility bills. The two-inch square device works like a personalized thermostat that can be utilized at home, work, or on the go. It’s a patch that is designed to be worn around the arm, and it actively modifies skin temperature, making the wearer feel warmer or cooler depending on their own personal preference.
Powered by a flexible, stretchable battery pack, the patch can send hot and cold pulses of electricity to any part of the body, mimicking the relief of warming hands by a fire in winter or splashing water on one’s face in the summer. The scientists are already working on developing a mobile app that would work hand-in-hand with the device to allow for easy control over temperature changes.