The new robot skin sensor can make interactions lifelike and safer. “Our sensor can sense different types of forces, allowing a prosthetic or robotic arm to respond with agility and precision. For example, the arm can hold fragile objects such as an egg or a glass of water without crushing or dropping them,” says study author Dr. Mirza Saquib Sarwar, who created the sensor as part of his PhD work in electrical and computer engineering at UBC.
Robot skin with feeling
Of sensor consists mainly of silicone rubber, the same material used to create many special skin effects in films. The unique design has the ability to buckle and wrinkle, just like human skin. The sensor uses weak electric fields to detect objects, even at a distance, just like touchscreens do. But unlike touchscreens, this sensor is flexible and can detect forces in and along the surface.
The researchers say the new sensor is simple to make, meaning it can be easily scaled to cover large areas and can be produced in large quantities. The UBC team developed the technology in collaboration with Frontier Robotics, Honda’s research institute. Honda has been innovating in the field of humanoid robotics since the 1980s and developed the ASIMO robot. It has also developed devices to assist with walking and the upcoming Honda Avatar Robot.
Sweaty artificial skin
Human skin is increasingly being recreated faithfully for various functions. Last year, an artificial skin was developed that can sweat on command. A multidisciplinary team from Danging Liu has developed the artificial skin so that robots are better able to cool. Just like it is with people. Moreover, it seems more human and wounds can be treated by administering medication to humans with the artificial skin.
2023-12-26 09:00:00
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