Wearable NFC Stamp Migrates From Medicine To Consumer Applications

LEXINGTON, MA -- MC10 Inc., a healthcare tech company, and PCH International, a custom product solutions designer, have entered into an exclusive partnership to commercialize MC10's wearable interactive stamp platform, or WiSP. The peel-and-apply device, which resembles a small adhesive bandage, is a novel and convenient option near-field communications.

The partnership will allow for the development of a wide variety of consumer applications beyond the medical field for the skin-worn, ultrathin, waterproof and disposable stamp. As officials at both companies noted, when paired with a smartphone, tablet or NFC reader, WiSP technology enables a host of consumer applications, including cashless payments, facility access, event registration and interactive experiences at family entertainment centers.

The stamp, although stretchable when worn, maintains the security of stored information through a special tearing design that renders data unreadable upon removal.

"PCH's experience working with leading consumer brands, and their ability to commercialize the technology, will accelerate development of new applications within a variety of industries for skin-worn 'wearables,'" said MC10 president and chief executive Scott Pomerantz.

In its new role, PCH will work with third-party brands to customize the technology to develop new consumer applications. "Our partnership with MC10 opens the door for other brands to develop consumer applications using this unique wearable platform," said PCH founder and chief executive Liam Casey. "The stamp is highly customizable allowing brands to create personalized and engaging experiences that reinforce customer loyalty."

The first commercialized application of the technology was in conjunction with cosmetics company L'Oréal as the world's first stretchable electronic designed to measure individual UV exposure. L'Oréal will retain exclusivity for applications of this technology in the beauty domain.