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This study, rooted in dynamic capability theory, explores the impact of Collaborative robot (cobots) adoption on manufacturing firm performance. Cobots positively influence sensing, seizing, and transforming capabilities, leading to enhanced market, operational, and human resources performance. Sensing and transforming capabilities mediate the relationship between cobots adoption and operational performance, while seizing capability mediates with market and human resources performance. These findings offer crucial theoretical insights for strategic management in manufacturing enterprises navigating cobots adoption amid global competition and workforce challenges, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play.

The low reputation of vocational education in Spain requires schools to reconsider this type of education by taking advantage of its key resources and developing dynamic capabilities. Using structural equation modelling, this study analyses the impact of technological resources on two categories of dynamic capabilities: sensing capability and innovativeness, as well as the effect of these two capabilities on reputation, in a representative sample of vocational schools in tourism in Spain, with the key informants being the staff responsible for the degree (i.e., director, vice-director, head of studies, etc.). The results show that the use of technological resources provides vocational schools with the necessary capabilities to explore trends in social demands and the job market and reduce the gap between academy and industry. The findings also reveal that innovativeness has a direct influence on the schools' reputation. However, the opportunities for improvement detected through the sensing capability do not directly influence reputation; instead, they require a subsequent action, innovativeness, that favours their effective implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization is changing the way that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to survive in a turbulent environment. In this sense, certain capabilities are necessary to effectively identify opportunities to advance their technological adoption level. This paper seeks to provide a better understanding of how dynamic capabilities affect several aspects of the digital maturity of the firm. We employ a structural equation model to analyze how sensing and seizing capabilities affect the digitalization of MSMEs, taking advantage of a novel data set provided by the self-assessment tool Chequeo Digital in Ecuador. Our research focuses on dynamic capabilities in the MSMEs context, which represents a contribution due to the unique nature of these firms, enhancing our understanding of the effect of sensing and seizing on their digitalization level. The results show a positive and significant effect of sensing and seizing capabilities on the digitalization of MSMEs. Moreover, we found a negative and significant moderating effect of firm age, on the relationship between sensing capability and digitalization. The findings highlight the importance of an adequate process of identification and adoption of digital technologies that can be effectively applied in MSMEs. By developing sensing and seizing capabilities firms may take advantage of opportunities, and ultimately reconfigure the business to quickly adapt to the future advances of upcoming digital technologies.

Latest changes in nanotechnology have given a lot of attention to eco-friendly procedures that promote economic sustainability using conservative interaction settings and non-toxic precursors. As a reducing and stabilizing agent, an aqueous extract of heneicosane was used in the current work to create bio-augmented silver nanoparticles utilizing an easy, creative, and reasonably priced green approach. The produced Ag NPs were analyzed using a variety of techniques, including UV–Vis, XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM with EDAX, and TEM. An agar well technique was used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of bio-mediated Ag NPs against pathogenic organisms. To test the anti-proliferative activity, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) and neutral red absorption (NRU) assays, which can detect hydrogen peroxide and photocatalytic analysis of methylene red dye, were performed. The Ag NPs showed powerful antimicrobial activity against a variety of microbial pathogens and substantial anticancer activity in human lung cancer cells (A549). Interestingly, the highest methylene red degradation percentage obtained was 96.2 after 55 min. As a result, the selected nanoparticles mixture enhanced antibacterial, anticancer, sensing, and photocatalytic capabilities. The combination might be a beneficial tool for eliminating dye pollution from wastewater and, ideally, for fighting lung cancer in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of dynamic capabilities on the growth of small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs) as well as the mediating effect of organisational innovation on the relationship between dynamic capabilities and business growth. Empirical evidence based on a survey conducted on a sample of 250 Zimbabwean SMTEs was used to test the study’s hypotheses. The findings illustrate that sensing, integrating and reconfiguration capabilities play a significant role in the growth of SMTEs, and that organisational innovation mediates the impact of dynamic capabilities on firm growth. This study demonstrates the benefits of understanding the relationship between the three types of dynamic capabilities, organisational innovation, and firm growth. The research offers managers insight into the aspects on which to focus their efforts to enhance their firm’s capacity to grow. While most of the prior studies have conceptually investigated the financial performance of uni-dimensional dynamic capabilities of large firms in the manufacturing sector, this study made a significant effort to quantitatively examine both the financial and non-financial growth potential of SMTEs in the tourism sector through three forms of dynamic capabilities.

Background: Scholars have examined populations within firms and found that managers and employees exhibit similar characteristics in the relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance. However, the unobserved relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance in the context of dairy microfirms is less investigated. Aim: The main motive is to examine the unobserved connection in the relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance in dairy microfirms in Tanzania. Illustrating the knowledge-based view (KBV), this study determines that valuable competencies impact dairy microfirms’ sustainable performance. Setting: The 300 participants in this study were employees and managers of dairy microfirms in three regions of Tanzania: Tanga, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro. Method: A unique unit segment technique – response-based unit segmentation-partial least squares (REBUS-PLS) path modelling – is used to uncover latent classes to meet the research objective. Results: Our findings reveal that the aggregate model hypotheses were significant. Furthermore, the paper illuminates potential unobserved variations between managers and employees concerning the dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance of dairy microfirms in Tanzania. Conclusion: The potential unobserved differences between managers and employees provide an alternative explanation for the relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance. This helps avoid the ‘competency trap’ and explains how to improve the dynamic capabilities of dairy microfirms. Contribution: Homogeneous behaviour among managers and employees strongly suggests collectivist work to improve sustainable performance. We contribute empirically by demonstrating the underlying dynamic capability drivers of managers and employees in heterogeneous segments to explain sustainable performance.

Background: Scholars have examined populations within firms and found that managers and employees exhibit similar characteristics in the relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance. However, the unobserved relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance in the context of dairy microfirms is less investigated. Aim: The main motive is to examine the unobserved connection in the relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance in dairy microfirms in Tanzania. Illustrating the knowledge-based view (KBV), this study determines that valuable competencies impact dairy microfirms' sustainable performance. Setting: The 300 participants in this study were employees and managers of dairy microfirms in three regions of Tanzania: Tanga, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro. Method: A unique unit segment technique – response-based unit segmentation-partial least squares (REBUS-PLS) path modelling – is used to uncover latent classes to meet the research objective. Results: Our findings reveal that the aggregate model hypotheses were significant. Furthermore, the paper illuminates potential unobserved variations between managers and employees concerning the dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance of dairy microfirms in Tanzania. Conclusion: The potential unobserved differences between managers and employees provide an alternative explanation for the relationship between dynamic capability drivers and sustainable performance. This helps avoid the 'competency trap' and explains how to improve the dynamic capabilities of dairy microfirms. Contribution: Homogeneous behaviour among managers and employees strongly suggests collectivist work to improve sustainable performance. We contribute empirically by demonstrating the underlying dynamic capability drivers of managers and employees in heterogeneous segments to explain sustainable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between network structure attributes, sensing capability and growth performance of logistics service integrators for logistics service supply chain. Using survey research of logistics service integrators from China, through empirical analysis, this paper finds the following conclusions. Network structure attributes can affect logistics service integrators growth performance directly or indirectly through sensing capability: ① network size and centricity affect the growth performance by promoting sensing capability; ② heterogeneity can directly affect LSI growth performance; and ③ heterogeneity can affect growth performance indirectly. The network scope does not affect sensing capability and growth performance of logistics service integrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduces a new approach to organizational capabilities of enterprises that pursued change. The purpose of our research is to create a straightforward model for the dynamic capabilities that can be used by all organizations that intend to involve themselves in a change endeavour. We collected data through a questionnaire filled by executives, managers and consultants that were directly involved in a change initiative within a Romanian organization and had extensive knowledge about the organizational change processes and their results. A number of 21 organizational routines were analysed as possible independent variables for a model establishment. The objective of the proposed framework is to support the continuous improvement of organizational change processes by enabling the discovery of the critical managerial areas that have impact on the final change result and the focus of practitioners on those routines whose absence can impair the change success.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of dynamic capabilities on the growth of small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs) as well as the mediating effect of organisational innovation on the relationship between dynamic capabilities and business growth. Empirical evidence based on a survey conducted on a sample of 250 Zimbabwean SMTEs was used to test the study’s hypotheses. The findings illustrate that sensing, integrating and reconfiguration capabilities play a significant role in the growth of SMTEs, and that organisational innovation mediates the impact of dynamic capabilities on firm growth. This study demonstrates the benefits of understanding the relationship between the three types of dynamic capabilities, organisational innovation, and firm growth. The research offers managers insight into the aspects on which to focus their efforts to enhance their firm’s capacity to grow. While most of the prior studies have conceptually investigated the financial performance of uni-dimensional dynamic capabilities of large firms in the manufacturing sector, this study made a significant effort to quantitatively examine both the financial and non-financial growth potential of SMTEs in the tourism sector through three forms of dynamic capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technology continues to extend the co-creative role of users and user communities as sources of innovation-conducive knowledge. While the potential of user communities in this context is well established, little is known about the capabilities needed to successfully manage the interface with virtual user communities. The paper investigates User Community Sensing (UCS) capability as a measure of firms' ability to anticipate changes and opportunities for innovation by interfacing with relevant user communities. Based on existing research and data from 173 product innovation projects, the study employs structural equation modelling to test the hypothesised effects of this capability on product innovation performance and product innovation speed. The results indicate that UCS capability affects performance positively and indirectly by increasing knowledge about users but has no significant effect on speed. As well as contributing to the literature on innovation management, the study has a number of implications for practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the impact of dynamic capabilities constructs i.e. sensing capability, learning capability, and reconfiguration capability on organizational effectiveness in the selected Iraqi public universities context. This study adopted the survey method to collect primary data. An online questionnaire was distributed to around 342 employees, out of which 215 completed questionnaires were obtained. The data were collected during the period from 02-08-2018 to 03-10-2018. The reliability and validity of the dimensions are assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the hypotheses are tested by using structural equation modeling SEM. The analytical results indicate that sensing capability does not have a positive impact on organizational effectiveness while learning capability and reconfiguration capability have a positive impact on organizational effectiveness. Thus, this study provides a better understanding of the effects of dynamic capabilities. The results of this study have the potential to help the decision-makers of universities to develop learning capability and reconfiguration capability, in turn, universities will be able to achieve superior organizational effectiveness.

This paper aims to investigate the impact of dynamic capabilities constructs i.e. sensing capability, learning capability, and reconfiguration capability on organizational effectiveness in the selected Iraqi public universities context. This study adopted the survey method to collect primary data. An online questionnaire was distributed to around 342 employees, out of which 215 completed questionnaires were obtained. The data were collected during the period from 02- 08-2018 to 03-10-2018. The reliability and validity of the dimensions are assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the hypotheses are tested by using structural equation modeling SEM. The analytical results indicate that sensing capability does not have a positive impact on organizational effectiveness while learning capability and reconfiguration capability have a positive impact on organizational effectiveness. Thus, this study provides a better understanding of the effects of dynamic capabilities. The results of this study have the potential to help the decisionmakers of universities to develop learning capability and reconfiguration capability, in turn, universities will be able to achieve superior organizational effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low mechanical strength of conductive hydrogels (<1 MPa) has been a significant hurdle in their practical application, as they are prone to fracturing under complex conditions, limiting their effectiveness. Here, this work fabricates a strong and tough conductive hierarchical poly(vinyl alcohol) (PEDOT:PSS/PVA) organo-hydrogel (PPS organo-hydrogel) via a facile combining strategy of self-assembly and stretch training. With PVA/PEDOT:PSS microlayers and aligned PVA/PEDOT:PSS nanofibers, PVA and PEDOT:PSS nanocrystalline domains, and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks, PPS organo-hydrogels display outstanding mechanical performances (strength: 54.8 MPa, toughness: 153.97 MJ m -3 ). Additionally, PPS organo-hydrogels also exhibit powerful sensing capabilities (gauge factor (GF): 983) due to the aligned hierarchical structures and organic liquid phase of DMSO. Notably, with the synergy of such mechanical and sensing properties, organo-hydrogels can even detect objects as light as 1 gram, despite bearing a tensile strength of ≈23 MPa. By incorporating these materials into human-machine interfaces, such as controlling artificial arms for grabbing objects and monitoring sport behaviors in soccer training, this work has unlocked a new realm of possibilities for these high-performance hierarchical organo-hydrogels. This approach to designing hierarchical structures has the potential to lead to even more high-performance hydrogels in the future., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

For Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), the Voronoi partition of a region is a challenging problem owing to the limited sensing ability of each sensor and the distributed organization of the network. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed for each sensor having a limited sensing range to compute its limited Voronoi cell autonomously, so that the limited Voronoi partition of the entire WSN is generated in a distributed manner. Inspired by Graham’s Scan (GS) algorithm used to compute the convex hull of a point set, the limited Voronoi cell of each sensor is obtained by sequentially scanning two consecutive bisectors between the sensor and its neighbors. The proposed algorithm called the Boundary Scan (BS) algorithm has a lower computational complexity than the existing Range-Constrained Voronoi Cell (RCVC) algorithm and reaches the lower bound of the computational complexity of the algorithms used to solve the problem of this kind. Moreover, it also improves the time efficiency of a key step in the Adjust-Sensing-Radius (ASR) algorithm used to compute the exact Voronoi cell. Extensive numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the BS algorithm. The distributed realization of the BS combined with a localization algorithm in WSNs is used to justify the WSN nature of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cement-based matrix incorporating conductive materials such as carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers can have self-sensing capability. Both nanomaterials are characterized by excellent physical, mechanical and electrical properties. A disadvantage is that due to their hydrophobic nature it is very difficult to ensure uniform dispersion throughout the cementitious matrix. To overcome this problem a new nanomodified cement containing in-situ attached CNFs was developed leading to a very homogenous and conductive binder matrix. This study aimed to compare the piezoresistive responses of two types of matrixes, one based on the nanomodified cement and the second containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Several mortars were prepared containing either MWCNTs or the nanomodified cement, which partially replaced the untreated cement. The effective amount of the carbon nanomaterials was the same for both types of mixes and ranged from 0 wt.% to 0.271 wt.%, calculated by the all binder weight. Changes in the electrical properties were determined while applying compressive load. The results showed that the binders based on the nanomodified cement have significantly better load sensing capabilities and are suitable for applications in monitoring systems.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have a great deal of attention due to their unique properties. These properties of SWCNTs can be used in various devices such as nanosensors. SWCNTs nanosensors have fast response time and high sensitivity to special gas molecules which is very favorable for important applications. Recently, gas adsorption over outer surface of SWCNTs nanosensors was arguably a very interesting theoretical study. Here, the sensing capability of (6, 0) SWCNTs for adsorption H2, N2, O2 and CO molecules are studied. The geometry optimization, electronic, thermodynamic, and vibrational properties have been investigated. All the calculations are based on the density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6- 31G level through the Gaussian 09W program package. It is found that, adding these molecules to SWCNT causing a small increase in the bond lengths, and an increase in the total energy. In IR spectra, it is observed increasing the vibration modes and higher stretching vibration wave numbers of SWCNT with the studies molecules. This work confirms that (6, 0) SWCNT can be used as nanosensor, and using DFT investigations, it is possible to obtain much more data to apply in medical science and industrial technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), the Voronoi partition of a region is a challenging problem owing to the limited sensing ability of each sensor and the distributed organization of the network. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed for each sensor having a limited sensing range to compute its limited Voronoi cell autonomously, so that the limited Voronoi partition of the entire WSN is generated in a distributed manner. Inspired by Graham’s Scan (GS) algorithm used to compute the convex hull of a point set, the limited Voronoi cell of each sensor is obtained by sequentially scanning two consecutive bisectors between the sensor and its neighbors. The proposed algorithm called the Boundary Scan (BS) algorithm has a lower computational complexity than the existing Range-Constrained Voronoi Cell (RCVC) algorithm and reaches the lower bound of the computational complexity of the algorithms used to solve the problem of this kind. Moreover, it also improves the time efficiency of a key step in the Adjust-Sensing-Radius (ASR) algorithm used to compute the exact Voronoi cell. Extensive numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the BS algorithm. The distributed realization of the BS combined with a localization algorithm in WSNs is used to justify the WSN nature of the proposed algorithm.

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.Findings The extent to which a firm can create novelty is governed by several factors both internal (e.g. strategies and dynamic capabilities) and external (e.g. environmental turbulence). The stronger the fit between the internal and external factors, the higher the level of possible novelty creation. In turbulent marketplaces – e.g. telecommunications – the rapid pace of innovation and new product development can help achieve high levels of novelty. However, in slower-paced market environments, where there is less ongoing evolution and change, it can be difficult for companies to stand apart and achieve competitive advantage through novelty. Instead, Product Service Strategy and Sensing Capability are the key drivers in sales and marketing success.Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to create and to study multifunctional shape memory polymer (SMP) composites having temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities by embedding thermochromic particles within the polymer matrix. Design/methodology/approach – The multifunctional materials were fabricated following a process consisting of blending (of the thermochromic particles and the SMP at various ratios), mixing, degasing, moulding and thermal curing, prepared by incorporating thermochromic particles within the polymer. The effect of the thermochromic particles on the thermomechanical properties and thermally responsive shape memory effect of the resulting multifunction SMP composites were characterised and interpreted. Findings – It was found that exposure of the composites to temperatures above 70°C led to a pronounced change of their colour that was recorded by the thermal and electrical actuation approaches and was reproducibly reversible. It was also found that the colour of the composites was independent of the mechanical state of the SMP. Such effects enabled monitoring of the onset of the set/release temperature of the SMP matrix. Furthermore, the combination of thermochromic additive and the SMP resulted in significantly improved thermomechanical strength, absorption of infrared radiation and the temperature distribution of the SMP composites. Research limitations/implications – The temperature-sensing and actuating capabilities of the polymeric shape memory composites developed through this study will help to extend the field of potential applications of such composites to fields including sensors, actuators, security labels and information dissemination, where colour indication is an advantageous feature. Originality/value – The SMP composites capable of temperature sensing and actuating are novel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a theoretical and experimental analysis of the sensing capabilities of Raman-based distributed temperature optical fiber sensor (RDTS) systems using only the anti-Stokes (AS) component in loop configuration. In particular, the effects of time- and wavelength-dependent losses on the sensor performance are thoroughly investigated under different experimental conditions. As expected from the developed theory, experimental results demonstrate that using the loop AS-light only approach in RDTS systems can correct the impact of local and wavelength-dependent losses on the final temperature measurements, with the simple use of an internal calibration fiber spool at a known temperature value. Signal-to-noise ratio and temperature resolution analyses of the AS-only RDTS point out an improved temperature resolution in comparison to standard RDTS systems in loop configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In this paper, a new self-sensing pavement for vehicle detection is designed. Smart nickel particle filled cement-based sensors with high sensitivity are used as vehicle detector. The sensor array is embedded into a concrete pavement to form the self-sensing pavement. The vehicle detection capability of this pavement is investigated in outdoor road tests. Experimental results show that the proposed self-sensing pavement can accurately detect the passing vehicles. This finding indicates that the self-sensing pavement embedded with smart cement-based sensors has a great potential for traffic detection and monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A nanofibrous sensor for ammonia gas is fabricated by electrospinning the composite of poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) onto the patterned interdigit electrode. The composite electrospun membrane shows interconnected fibrous morphology. Functional groups in PDPA and the high active surface area of the fibrous membrane make the device detect a lower concentration of ammonia with a good reproducibility. The sensing capability of the device is studied by monitoring the changes in resistance of the membrane with different concentrations of ammonia. The changes in resistance of the membrane shows linearity with the concentration of ammonia in the limit of 10 and 300 ppm. UV-visible spectroscopy reveals the mechanism of sensing ammonia by the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two erbium-doped fiber ring lasers (EDFRLs) wvith simultaneous emission at four different wavelengths are demonstrated. Both systems employ fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) to select the operation wavelengths within the ring. The sensing capability of the FBGs has been taken advantage of, allowing for the sources to be used as sensor multiplexing schemes. The first system employs four FBGs in a tree filter topology, achieving four output channels with -5 dBm power each. The second system comprises an in-line filtering topology with active fiber segments within the filter. This second source yields 2-dBm output signals and allows for a higher number of lines to be easily added to the system. A comparison between both topologies is carried out, and their capability for sensor multiplexing is demonstrated [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is a high tendency for conversion from a statistical economy based on measuring tangible assets into investigating non-tangible capital drive in the present economic status worldwide. The implications of intellectual capital on innovation performance have widely attracted attention among researchers in the global arena. The present study investigated the impacts of intellectual capital on innovation performance in the banking sector as influencing non-tangible assets. Besides, the role of dynamic capabilities in moderating the relationship between intellectual capital and innovation performance was examined. A purposive sampling technique was applied to 364 participants from Iraqi commercial banks as the research context. Thereafter, structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to analyse the collected data from the survey questionnaire using SPSS.v25 and AMOS.v24. The study found that the employees' levels of intellectual capital significantly increased toward innovativeness through the moderating role of dynamic capabilities between intellectual capital and innovation performance in the commercial banking sector for better competitive advantages. Consequently, the study provides valuable insights and guidance for academicians and practitioners on the impacts of developing intellectual capital on enhancing competitive performance, especially in the context of Iraqi commercial banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic skin (e‐skin), an important part toward the realization of artificial intelligence, has been developing through comprehending, mimicking, and eventually outperforming skin in some aspects. Most of the e‐skin substrates are flexible polymers, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Although PDMS was found to be biocompatible, it is not suitable for long‐time wearing due to its air impermeability. This study reports a simple and designable leather based e‐skin by merging the natural sophisticated structure and wearing comfort of leather with the multifunctional properties of nanomaterials. The leather based e‐skin could make leather, "the dead skin," repurposed for its sensing capabilities. This e‐skin can be applied in flexible pressure sensors, displays, user‐interactive devices, etc. It provides a new class of materials for the development of multifunctional e‐skin to mimic or even outshine the functions of real skin. By merging the unique hierarchical structure of leather with excellent properties of nanomaterials, the leather based electronic skin (e‐skin) can repurpose the sense of touch similar to real skin and even outperform skin. The e‐skin can be used as flexible pressure sensor, display, user‐interactive device, etc., providing a new material for the realization of multifunctional e‐skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic skin (e-skin), an important part toward the realization of artificial intelligence, has been developing through comprehending, mimicking, and eventually outperforming skin in some aspects. Most of the e-skin substrates are flexible polymers, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Although PDMS was found to be biocompatible, it is not suitable for long-time wearing due to its air impermeability. This study reports a simple and designable leather based e-skin by merging the natural sophisticated structure and wearing comfort of leather with the multifunctional properties of nanomaterials. The leather based e-skin could make leather, "the dead skin," repurposed for its sensing capabilities. This e-skin can be applied in flexible pressure sensors, displays, user-interactive devices, etc. It provides a new class of materials for the development of multifunctional e-skin to mimic or even outshine the functions of real skin.