Those “Tickle Me Elmo” dolls might just get a whole lot creepier now that scientists have developed an electronic skin that can feel different sensations like tickling.
detailing their study into the creation of a bioinspired robotic skin. The material uses different sensors coupled with a machine-learning neural network in order to detect pressure and vibrations. The team believes that it can be utilized on robots to help them get better sensory feedback about their surroundings, as well as on future prosthetic devices for humans.
The skin itself is made of two layers: a top layer made of a rubber-like polymer that imitates the outermost layer of human skin , and a bottom layer made of a hydrogel that imitates the layer of the human skin below the epidermis . The dermis-imitating layer contains a number of tiny electrodes that can detect pressure on the robo-skin.
It also houses small microphones that “are used to sense vibration due to touch,” Kyungseo Park, a robotics researcher at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and the lead author of the paper, told The Daily Beast. “It allows the robotic skin to feel light touches, such as pat, tickle, stroke, and so on.”The sensory inputs are then processed through an AI, which tells the bot and/or its operator what the machine is “feeling.
Park said that this type of e-skin could potentially be used for human prosthesis too “since it provides tactile information.” However, he added that “an appropriate feedback method is required. Sensation feedback can be done by stimulating the nerve or applying vibration on the skin.” This feels eerily close to the e-skin seen in android and cyborg sci-fi flicks like “Terminator” or “Blade Runner.” No doubt, with a bioinspired robotic skin that can feel and heal, we’re getting one step close to that reality.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
TV’s Spring Avalanche Wasn’t Good for AnyoneIn the past ten weeks or so, streaming platforms and cable networks rolled out more than 50 new and returning high-profile series. TVMoJoe writes that this avalanche of releases wasn’t good for anyone
Read more »
11 Best Heeled Sandals To Wear to All Your Summer Weddings | Well+GoodIf you're looking for a pair of comfortable sandal heels to wear to a wedding, here's a list of the best pairs.
Read more »
Alexander: New Lakers coach Darvin Ham makes a good first impressionThe first-year head coach’s introductory news conference includes glowing praise for polarizing guard Russell Westbrook and talk of “sacrifice” for all.
Read more »