A team of scientists from Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have successfully developed an artificial tactile system that can be used in prosthetic hands and robotic technology to mimic human touch. The research was led by Assistant Professor Libo Chen, who aimed to create a tactile system capable of sensing pain, temperature, and materials being touched, such as wood or metal.
The artificial tactile system consists of an electronic skin, sensors for touch detection, artificial nerve cells to convert touch signals into electrical impulses, and a signal processor for object recognition. This system has the ability to learn and recognize an infinite number of objects. Researchers believe that this technology will improve human-robot interactions and enhance the manipulation skills of prosthetic hands.
The haptic feedback provided by this artificial tactile system could have medical applications, such as monitoring motor dysfunction in conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and assisting patients in stroke rehabilitation. The researchers collaborated with experts in data processing and machine learning to develop a system that mimics the human nervous system’s response to touch.
To make the wearer feel like the prosthetic hand is a natural extension of their own body, the research team is experimenting with different objects and surfaces for touch and grasp. By improving the accuracy and predictive capabilities of the system, they hope to develop a fall prevention device that can intervene before a fall occurs.
This technology has significant potential implications for both medical care and assistive devices. As Dr. Chen explains: “Our goal is not only to improve prosthetic hands but also to enhance human-robot interactions.” With continued research, this technology could revolutionize how we interact with machines on a daily basis.
