Ticker Views
Human like robots could become new trend | ticker VIEWS
Singapore researchers have developed a breakthrough in robotics. Allowing robots to sense nearby objects, and self-heal, like human skin
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a smart foam material, called artificially innovated or AI foam. The foam gives robotic limbs a sense of touch and enables the limb to self-heal.
What is AI foam?
AI Foam is a highly elastic material, created by mixing fluoropolymer with a compound, that lowers surface tension. The foam is infused with tiny metal particles and electrodes, just underneath the surface.
When pressure is applied, the particles become closer, changing the electrical properties. The changes can be picked up through flexible wires to a computer, which tells the robot what to do.
The material allows the robotic limb to self-heal and sense proximity and pressure, all at exactly the same time. The robotic limb can detect the amount of pressure and the direction of applied force.
The material can also self-repair when cut or damaged, just like human skin.
“There are many applications for such a material, especially in robotics and prosthetic devices, where robots need to be a lot more intelligent when working around humans,”
Lead researcher, Benjamin Tee
First of its kind
This Ai foam is the first of its kind to combine self-healing properties, and proximity and pressure sensing. The purpose of the foam is to make robots more intelligent and responsive to potential danger or threats.
The Singapore researchers have spent over two years developing the material and hope to put it into practical use within a few years.
“It can also allow prosthetic users to have more intuitive use of their robotic arms when grabbing objects,”
Lead researcher, Benjamin Tee