To take robotics to the next level, considerable research has gone into developing artificial skin, designed to enable a robot to better sense and react to the surrounding environment. The technology is based on artificial ionic skin.
A new study demonstrates how a biologically-inspired skin improves robots' sensory abilities. This development is seen as a stepping stone towards developing robots that are able to interact more closely with people.
French scientists have developed an artificial skin that can enhance virtual reality. In addition, the skin may have a medical use, helping with patient rehabilitation after a person has suffered from serious burning.
For robotics to advance sufficiently to undertake a number of roles performed by humans, the ability for the robot to ‘sense’ the external environment needs to improve. As part of this, a ‘super-sensitive’ artificial skin has been developed.
Inspired by aquatic life, scientists have designed an electronic artificial skin which has the capability to ‘glow’ when the surface is damaged. The application will have several medical uses.
Hydrogels offer a number of interesting applications, including medicines, bioelectronics and artificial skin. While hydrogels are useful they eventually dry out. Researchers have found a new way for keeping hydrogels moist.
A recent press release from the American Technion Society says that a team from Israel has discovered how to create flexible sensors that may one day be used for electronic skin, or e-skin.
A soldier in the U.S. Army plays fooz-ball with two prosthetic limbs. Courtesy of the U.S. Army, by Walter Reed photographers. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
US Army
Genoskin in action in the laboratory.
Genoskin
Genoskin’s human skin models provide an excellent alternative to animal testing, as they contain no animal components.