Robots are given the gentle touch

TOUCHY FEELY androids could be on the way thanks to researchers showing off new artificial skin.

The skin is made from flexible semiconductor materials that measure pressure, meaning tactile response can be recorded. This is particularly useful as it allows for varying the pressure of interaction between objects.

The researchers use nanowires that are made from an alloy of silicon and germanium. When sheets of this material are coated with a pressure sensitive rubber, it can record a range of force. It is the resolution of pressure that is the new development here.

Ali Javey, one of the researchers involved, outlined the practical applications of the development saying, "If we ever wanted a robot that could unload the dishes, for instance, we'd want to make sure it doesn't break the wine glasses in the process. But we'd also want the robot to be able to grip a stock pot without dropping it."

We think this development allows for a particularly vital distinction, between a can of lager and a packet of crisps.

Consumption of alcohol aside, there are serious uses for such technology. The researchers hope that their insights will one day be used to restore the sense of touch to those who have prostheses. To achieve that, the material's sensors would have to connect to the human nervous system, something that still requires extensive further research at this point.

In the meantime, the announcement remains a touching one for robots everywhere. µ