Scientists at Tsinghua University in China have achieved a breakthrough in artificial skin technology, developing the world’s first “electronic skin” with a bionic three-dimensional architecture. This innovation aims to mimic the remarkable capabilities of human skin in perceiving touch.
The design mimics the spatial distribution of mechanoreceptors found in human skin
Human skin is covered in a dense network of specialized cells called mechanoreceptors. These receptors are arranged in three dimensions, allowing us to distinguish between various sensations like pressure, shear (friction), and strain with exceptional accuracy. Current electronic skin technology falls short, unable to replicate this nuanced and simultaneous perception on a physical level.
Inspired by nature’s brilliance, Professor Zhang Yihui’s research team at Tsinghua University has devised a novel electronic skin design that incorporates a three-dimensional architecture. This design mimics the spatial distribution of mechanoreceptors found in human skin, like Merkel cells and Ruffini corpuscles. The result is a device capable of independently measuring pressure, friction, and strain at a physical level – a significant leap forward in artificial touch technology.
This bionic electronic skin is meticulously crafted with three distinct layers, mirroring the structure of human skin:
- Epidermis: The outermost layer, resembling the texture of human skin’s surface.
- Dermis: The middle layer, where most sensors and circuits reside. This layer features a unique eight-arm cage structure housing the force-sensing unit. This highly sensitive unit, positioned close to the surface, effectively detects external forces.
- Subcutaneous Tissue: The bottom layer, replicating the texture of the underlying tissue in human skin.
By combining this three-dimensional electronic skin with advanced deep machine learning algorithms, the research team has achieved a remarkable feat. Their creation can not only perceive touch but also analyze an object’s modulus (stiffness) and local principal curvature (shape) through simple contact.
This groundbreaking research, titled “A Three-Dimensionally Architected Electronic Skin Mimicking Human Mechanosensation,” was published in the prestigious scientific journal Science on May 30, 2024. The development holds immense potential for various applications, including prosthetics that offer a more natural sense of touch for amputees and robots with enhanced tactile capabilities.
(Via)
