New
Scientist
17th November 2007
Instant Message
The authors report on a demonstration in Japan of
a
potentially revolutionary
technology which up to now was the stuff of science
fiction: passing data by touch.
The technology would use the body's own electrical
conductivity, but human skin is a poor conductor and previous attempts
have proved disappointing.
Mitsuru
Shinagawa and his colleagues now believe they have overcome the barriers and so
make this a viable technology.
They have developed a system called RedTacton which turns
the body into a 'high-speed data pipe' with the bandwith of a broadband
connection.
The technique requires a datacard in a PDA or cellphone
whereby the data from this card can be transmitted by touch or handshake to
another person.
Taking the technology further would make it possible to
customise devices such as photocopies and cars just by touch.
The application
for secure entry to rooms, computers, or any electronic device which requires
secure access, is obvious.
There is no limit to the type of
information that could be
exchanged or read. It could even be used as a payment system to replace the
need for charge cards.
There are potential drawbacks and insecurities which may
limit or compromise the use of the technology - one can imagine that the CIA and
MI6 and other such agencies around the world might be attracted by the
potential to pass information between spies with just a touch.