Scientists in China have developed an ‘electronic skin’ that will not only allow robots to feel touch, but also experience pain. Developed under the leadership of engineer Yuyu Gao of City University of Hong Kong, this skin is based on ‘neuromorphic’ technology, which works exactly like the human nervous system. Its biggest advantage is that if a robot touches a sharp or hot object, it will show a ‘reflex action’ like a human and immediately pull its hand back. This will increase the safety of both the robot and the humans who come into contact with it. Skin is made of four layers, identifies pressure by signals This artificial skin is made of 4 active layers. According to scientists, when someone touches this skin, it converts that touch into electrical signals. These signals are exactly like the signals our nerves send to the brain. If the pressure is light, the robot will consider it a normal touch and continue its work, but as soon as the pressure exceeds a set limit, the robot will recognize it as ‘pain’ and react immediately. Reflex System: Will make decisions without the brain’s permission The most special feature of this technology is its ‘reflex system’. Normally, every action of a robot passes through its central processor (brain), which takes time, but a direct pathway has been created in this e-skin. As soon as sharp pain or harmful injury is felt, the signal sends a high-voltage pulse directly to the robot’s motors. This causes the robot’s limb to immediately retract without waiting for instructions from the ‘brain’. This is exactly like how our hand automatically pulls back when it touches a burning candle. Magnetic Module: Skin can be replaced in seconds if damaged Scientists have made it not only sensitive but also durable. This skin is made of small magnetic modules, which are connected like building blocks. Intimacy between humans and robots will increase Researchers say that feeling pain will make robots behave more ‘human-like’, which will improve their coordination and connection with humans. When robots can understand pain and touch, they will be able to interact and work with humans more sensitively. This technology will prove to be a game-changer, especially for robots deployed in homes to care for the elderly or to assist patients in hospitals.
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