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Permanent Tattoos Applied in Minutes?
1 Aug
Summary
- CipherX uses microneedle technology for permanent tattoos.
- Application takes 15 minutes with minimal sensation.
- Future applications could include sensing and haptic feedback.
London startup CipherX is introducing a novel microneedle technology for permanent tattoos, applied via small patches. The process involves pressing a patch onto the skin for 15 minutes, during which microscopic structures deposit pigment, reportedly with minimal discomfort. Early designs are limited to precise, stick-and-poke style black ink patterns.
CipherX's founder, Ferdinand Kohle, describes the technology not just as body art but as a 'technological embedding' and a 'proto-interface.' He suggests future applications could involve localized haptic cues and thermal feedback beneath the skin, hinting at a merging of interaction, sensing, and expression.
Current offerings require in-person application at their London store or events, with age verification for those over 18. Restrictions apply to tattoo placement. Despite the company's efforts to control distribution, the technology's ease of application suggests it may eventually appear in DIY kits, potentially leading to unintended consequences.
