Breakthrough sensor material brings human-like touch to robots at low cost
Sanding off an ultrathin insulating layer boosts sensor accuracy by fixing hidden flaws in conductive composite surfaces.
Researchers have made a breakthrough that could pave the way for affordable, highly sensitive robotic touch.
A team from Northwestern University and Israel’s Tel Aviv University discovered that a hidden flaw in widely used silicone rubber composites—insulating layers on the surface—was blocking accurate electrical sensing in robotic skin.
By identifying and addressing this issue, the team unlocked the potential for low-cost robotic skins to deliver precise, human-like touch.
According to the team, the advancement could help robots better detect shapes, curves, and edges, dramatically improving their ability to grasp and handle objects.
Hidden flaw in robotic touch sensors
The team’s study unearthed a hidden flaw in conductive elastomer composites—materials widely used in flexible sensors for robotics and wearable electronics. Their study reveals that an ultrathin insulating layer forms on the surface of these composites during production, significantly affecting the accuracy and reliability of sensor performance.
Electrical engineers and polymer materials scientists worked to address a long-standing problem: inconsistent and irreproducible sensor data caused by poor electrical contact preparation.