In a breakthrough that could revolution robotic intelligence, researchers in China have developed “neural” electronic skin capable of sensing touch, detecting injuries, and feeling pain through involuntary robotic movements—mimicking the human nervous system’s response to pain.
Beyond Basic Pressure Sensors
Most existing robotic skins can only detect basic pressure using complex, bulky wiring. The new NRE (Neural Robotic Electronic) skin is inspired by biology. Human skin senses pain through a sophisticated network of nerve endings that convert touch into electrical pulses, which the brain interprets.
The researchers’ design works similarly: physical pressure is converted into a series of neural-like pulses. This hierarchical system allows a robot not only to detect touch but also to identify the location and intensity of the pressure with precision.
Pain-Sensing and Reflexive Response
According to Ars Technica, the NRE skin functions like a barcode system, helping the robot determine which sensor detected the stimulus. It has a built-in “pain center”, enabling immediate responses: for example, a robot’s hand automatically retracts if it touches a hot surface.
When pressure reaches a dangerous threshold, the skin triggers an instant motor reaction, bypassing the robot’s central “brain” to prevent damage. In experiments, a humanoid robot with the NRE skin smiled when touched lightly but displayed a painful expression and withdrew its hand under higher pressure.
Self-Monitoring and Injury Detection
The NRE skin also allows robots to self-detect damage. The system performs a full-body check every five minutes, with each sensor sending a “pulse” confirming it is operational. If a pulse is missing, the robot can accurately locate the injury.
The skin is designed to be modular, using a magnetic interface similar to LEGO blocks. Damaged sections can be replaced in seconds, compensating for the fact that synthetic materials do not regenerate like human cells.
Future Prospects
Researchers envision future versions of this neural skin for robots operating in more complex environments, paving the way for machines that can truly sense and interact with the world around them in a human-like manner.
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