INTEC, IMEC's associated laboratory at the Ghent University makes functional optical links embedded in a flexible substrate. The links include optical waveguides, light sources, and detectors. With this technique, it is possible to make foils that sense changes in pressure. Such sensing, skin-like foils could be used for monitoring irregular or moving surfaces, e.g. in robots, pliable machinery, or as an artificial skin.

See the movie on imec's Youtube channel.