Researchers develop "robot skin" sensor

로봇의 피부 역할 '촉각 센서' 개발 Everday, science fiction is becoming science fact. It's not surprising to learn Robots are contantly evolving. The latest is this: a tactile sensor that can play the role of a skin of AIs. Kim Mok-yeon sheds light on this discovery. Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a tactile sensor that can measure not only the amount of pressure applied on contact but also pinpoint the location its been touched. When the sensor is pressed, different colors appear on a screen, depending on the level of pressure. The sensor also locates the exact spot where pressure is exerted through the computer screen. "The sensor can act as the skin of a robot because it uses conductive rubber to measure electrical resistance." The team attached electrodes on the surface of sensors and let current flow through them. The sensors are made with 'piezoresistive composite' which is a combination of silicon and carbon nanotube. This composite has the property to change the value of electric resistance on corresponding parts when pressure is exerted from outside. Researchers say manufacturing these sensors is relatively easy and cost efficient. "The sensors can be used widely in the robot industry, and they are particularly promising for rehabilitation purposes." The research team expects the technology to be applied in a variety of fields such as robotic skin, 3D computer interface, and wearable medical devices. Kim Mok-yeon, Arirang News. Visit ‘Arirang News’ Official Pages Facebook(NEWS): http://www.facebook.com/newsarirang Homepage: http://www.arirang.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arirangtv Twitter: http://twitter.com/arirangworld Instagram: http://instagram.com/arirangworld