3D Printed Sensor Could Enable Robots To Feel

There are a number of creative projects underway at the moment with various companies looking to enable a sense of touch for either robots or humans who are looking to regain some.

From virtual reality gloves to electronic skin, there have already been a number of impressive developments in the way of technology that can enable a sense of feeling. Some researchers are even looking at creating an entirely artificial robot nervous system that can be used in order to teach robots how to feel pain.

And now researchers at the University of Minnesota say that they have successfully created a tiny sensor that when applied to the fingertip, will enable a sense of touch.

The sensor is an incredible biomedical device that is able to be printed within just a few minutes using a 3D printer and the sensor is directly applied to the tip of the finger. It's made from silicone and is able to conform to the shape of the finger.

This wearable technology could go a long way in helping to improve the lives of people who have lost their sense of touch because of some accident, or providing a way for robots to be able to feel.

For now though, the researchers have only been successful in printing the device onto a fake hand, not a real one. But they are enthusiastic about the prospect of using 3D printers and eventually being able to print electronic devices that apply directly onto the body.

There seems to be no limit to what 3D printers can enable us to create, the limitations are set only by ones imagination.

These printers are being used in the medical space, the food industry, the construction market, and much more. They can be used to build something like a house, or even an individualized set of braces. The 3D printer is a truly unique and convenient tool to have access to, as it can be used in so many different ways to print out a lot of cost-effective items.

With just a set of simple materials and a 3D printer, this technology enables people to create almost any type of device.

Up next, the researchers say that they are working on a way to try and 3D print an object onto a moving surface similar to that of a real human hand. They want to be able to eventually print integrated devices, this sensor they claim is just the beginning of what they some day hope to accomplish.

As far as enabling robots to feel, there are a number of reasons why researchers say they might want to do this, reasons like it will promote empathy, help them to better learn, and enable them to better understand physical input; therefore provide them with better protection.

Researchers have previously discussed and debated this topic at length, on whether or not robots should be programmed to feel. One of the more prominent discussions on that topic is the documentary video that was released by the University of Cambridge titled Pain in the Machine.

Pics:
Pixabay
Youtube
Giphy

Sources:
https://www.insidescience.org/news/3-d-printing-way-bionic-humans
https://sites.google.com/view/mcalpineresearchgroup
https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/why-robots-need-to-feel-pain
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-software/researchers-teaching-robots-to-feel-and-react-to-pain