The firm Peratech, based in North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) is taking a step further in humanizing robots.
After finding applications for its QTC (quantum tunneling composites) in mobile phones and video games, it is now developing a near-human electronic skin for robots, so they can sense touch.
The principle is simple: other than capturing on/off switching, the sensor can also detect and measure any pressure on it to turn it into concrete action. From a more scientific point of view, the electro-active polymers translate the touch force into an electric response.
On the practical side, a solid application could be developed with robots that perform daily chores for the elderly. And also for production lines in assembly plants.
Let’s also imagine designing a humanoid domestic robot with which man might interact via these sensors.
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