In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the field of creating materials for robotics and prosthetics. Scientists are introducing more and more advanced materials, with electronic leather (E-Skin) standing out as capable of feeling the environment and reproducing tactile sensations artificially.
Researchers from the University of Tsinghua presented a new development in this area – a two-modal tactile electronic skin. This innovation not only enhances robots’ perception abilities but also enables them to transmit information through touch. The discovery holds promise for a new level of interaction between humans and robots, facilitating a dual-controlled exchange of tactile information.
The electronic skin consists of a flexible magnetic film, silicone elastomer, an array of hall sensors, actuators, and a microcontroller. Hall sensors detect deformation in the magnetic film caused by mechanical pressure, leading to changes in the magnetic field and enabling multidimensional touch perception. Actuators generate mechanical vibrations for tactile feedback, enhancing human-robot interaction.
The testing of the prototype focused on object recognition, precise weighing, and immersive human-robot interaction. An innovative approach using tactile vibrations for weighing was highlighted, allowing for control over process speed and increased accuracy (~0.0246 g) at a low cost of less than $26 and a weight of less than 29 grams.
This two-modal tactile electronic skin shows potential applications in robotics, industrial settings, and prosthetic development, expanding possibilities for control and interaction. Future plans include component miniaturization, the addition of new sensory modalities like temperature perception, and the introduction of sound feedback to enhance sensations and improve human-machine interaction.