Researchers make “neuromorphic” artificial skin for robots

A groundbreaking advancement in robotics has emerged from researchers in China, who have developed a neuromorphic artificial skin designed for robots. This innovative skin mimics the intricate processing of sensory information found in the human nervous system, utilizing a unique spiking circuitry approach. Human skin is equipped with a complex network of specialized sensors that detect various sensations such as heat, cold, pressure, and pain. These sensory inputs transmit signals to the spinal cord, enabling rapid reflexes without the need for brain involvement, while also relaying information to the brain for deeper processing and conscious awareness. The researchers’ artificial skin focuses primarily on pressure sensing, incorporating advanced features that emulate the nervous system's capabilities. They created a flexible polymer skin embedded with pressure sensors, all interconnected via conductive polymers. This setup allows the skin to process sensory data through multiple layers, enhancing the robot's ability to interpret its environment. The innovative system translates pressure sensor inputs into a sequence of activity spikes, which are short bursts of electrical current. These spikes convey information in several ways: through the shape of the pulse, its magnitude, duration, and frequency. Notably, spike frequency is the primary method of communication in biological systems, which the researchers have adopted to indicate the pressure detected by each sensor. Additionally, the other forms of information assist in identifying which sensor the reading originates from, akin to a bar code system. This artificial skin represents a significant step forward in robotics, paving the way for more sophisticated and energy-efficient AI-driven control systems. As these advancements continue, robots may soon possess a heightened sense of touch, enhancing their interaction with the world around them.