Revolutionary artificial skin allows robots to 'feel,' promises breakthroughs in healthcare and rescue missions

Scientists have developed a new type of flexible artificial skin that enables robots to feel and touch like humans. Equipping machines with a sense of touch could bring numerous benefits.

A new synthetic skin has been created that is flexible, allowing machines to experience touch almost like humans. Researchers see its potential, for example, in designing robots for healthcare or massage purposes.

A team of researchers from the University of Texas in Austin, United States, has announced the development of this innovative artificial skin, which can be used in robots and other devices. The aim is to equip machines with a sense of touch, which will help them perform tasks requiring high precision. Although similar technologies already exist, they have limitations: when stretched, they lose the ability to detect pressure precisely.

Prof. Nanshu Lu, described in "Matter" magazine, explains that just as human skin needs to stretch and bend to accommodate our movements, e-skin must do the same. She points out that no matter how much the e-skin stretches, its responsiveness to pressure remains consistent, which she considers a great achievement.

The breakthrough was achieved by combining two previously used technologies in creating artificial skins. The scientists integrated both types of sensors with an elastic coating. In demonstration experiments, grippers were created to change shape and perform various complex tasks, such as accurately measuring volunteers' heart rates or safely handling delicate items, such as a taco.

The researchers emphasize that the invention could create synthetic hands that act like humans. This would allow robots to apply precisely measured force.

Robots equipped with this innovative skin could, for example, accurately measure a patient's pulse in a hospital or perform massages. Experts note that robot nurses could be invaluable due to the ageing population in various countries.

Other types of robots using the new e-skin could assist disaster victims, for example, by searching through destroyed buildings and performing simple life-saving actions, such as heart massage.

For instance, a household robot asked to hand over a glass of water would neither drop nor crush it, thanks to its ability to precisely apply force.