Researchers from Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have successfully developed an artificial tactile system that can be used in prosthetic hands and robotic technology to mimic human touch. Led by Assistant Professor Libo Chen, the research aimed to create a tactile system that could sense pain, temperature, and materials being touched, such as wood or metal.
The artificial tactile system consists of an electronic skin, sensors for touch detection, artificial nerve cells to convert touch signals into electrical impulses, and a signal processor for object recognition. This system has the ability to learn and recognize an infinite number of objects. Researchers believe that this technology will improve human-robot interactions and enhance the manipulation skills of prosthetic hands.
The haptic feedback provided by this artificial tactile system could have medical applications, such as monitoring motor dysfunction in conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and assisting patients in stroke rehabilitation. The researchers collaborated with experts in data processing and machine learning to develop a system that mimics the human nervous system’s response to touch.
The artificial tactile system is designed to make the wearer feel like the prosthetic hand is a natural extension of their own body. By experimenting with different objects and surfaces for touch and grasp, the research team aims to improve the system’s accuracy and predictive capabilities. The ultimate goal is to develop a system that can prevent falls in patients by predicting when a fall is about to occur and triggering an external agency or assistive device to intervene.
In conclusion, scientists in Sweden have successfully developed an artificial tactile system that can be used in prosthetic hands and robotic technology to mimic human touch. This technology has numerous medical applications and could improve human-robot interactions by enhancing the manipulation skills of prosthetic hands. With further research and development, this technology has immense potential for improving patient outcomes in various fields of medicine.
