A breakthrough in robotics and prosthetics: scientists together with Honda have developed a sensor similar to human skin (photo)
Engineers at the University of British Columbia (UBC), in collaboration with the Honda Research Institute, have developed an advanced soft sensor that opens up new perspectives in robotics and prosthetics.
The sensor can be applied to the surface of a prosthesis or robotic limb, enabling them to sense touch and perform tasks that were previously extremely difficult for machines, such as picking up a soft fruit. In addition, the sensor has a soft texture that makes it similar to human skin, providing a safer and more natural interaction with people.
The author of the study, Dr. Mirza Saquib Sarwar, describes the sensor’s capabilities: “Our sensor can sense several types of forces, allowing a prosthetic or robotic hand to respond to tactile stimuli with dexterity and precision. For example, the hand can hold fragile objects such as an egg or a glass of water without crushing or dropping them.”.
The basis of this sensor is silicone rubber, a material often used to create special effects on the skin in the film industry. The unique design of the sensor gives it the ability to bend and wrinkle, just like human skin. The sensor uses weak electric fields to detect objects, even at a distance, allowing robots to interact safely with people.
The researchers claim that the technology for manufacturing this sensor is simple and scalable, making it easy to apply to large surfaces and produce a large number of copies.
“Our sensor uses weak electric fields to sense objects even at a distance, similar to touch screens. But unlike touch screens, this sensor is flexible and can detect forces acting on and along its surface. This unique combination is key to enabling the technology for human-interacting robots,” explains Dr. John Madden, senior author of the study and professor of electrical and computer engineering at the.
The UBC team developed the new technology in collaboration with Frontier Robotics, a Honda research institute. Honda has been innovating in humanoid robotics since the 1980s and has developed the well-known ASIMO robot, a walking aid, and the new Honda Avatar robot, which is a robotic arm with multiple fingers designed to do human work.
“Human skin has a hundred times more sensory points on the tip of a finger than our technology, making it easier to light a match or sew. As sensors continue to evolve, becoming more skin-like and able to detect temperature and even damage, robots need to become smarter about which sensors to pay attention to and how to respond. The development of sensors and artificial intelligence must go hand in hand,” said Dr. Madden..
The development of sensors and artificial intelligence contributes to the growth of machines’ capabilities and gives them more “life”. This opens up new opportunities for cooperation between humans and robots. This is important so that robots can be more intelligent in choosing which sensors to use and how to respond to different situations.
