A first-ever stretchy electronic skin developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin could revolutionize robotics by providing robots with human-like softness and touch sensitivity. The breakthrough technology aims to enhance the precision and control of force in robotic applications.
The new stretchable e-skin, as described by Nanshu Lu, a professor at the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, overcomes a significant limitation of existing e-skin technology. Lu highlighted, "No matter how much our e-skin stretches, the pressure response doesn’t change, and that is a significant achievement."
Lu envisions the potential of the stretchable e-skin in creating robot hands that mimic the softness and sensitivity of human hands, with applications ranging from medical care to disaster response. Lu emphasized the importance of robots in addressing the increasing need for caregiving due to the aging population worldwide, stating, "We need to find new ways to take care of people efficiently and also gently, and robots are an important piece of that puzzle."
The innovative e-skin technology allows robots to sense pressure accurately, enabling them to adjust the force needed for various tasks. Unlike conventional e-skins that lose sensing accuracy when stretched, the new stretchable e-skin maintains its pressure-sensing capabilities even under deformation, reducing the risk of using excessive force in tasks.
The key to this advancement lies in an innovative hybrid response pressure sensor developed by Lu and her collaborators. By combining capacitive and resistive responses to pressure, the hybrid e-skin technology enhances sensing capabilities while being stretchable. This unique approach, along with the use of stretchable insulating and electrode materials, has paved the way for the e-skin innovation.
Lu and her team are now focusing on the potential applications of the stretchable e-skin, including collaborating with robotics companies to bring the technology to market. The researchers have filed a provisional patent application for the e-skin technology and are working with colleagues to integrate it into a robotic arm for further testing and development.
The groundbreaking stretchable e-skin holds promise for a future where robots possess human-like touch sensitivity, opening up new possibilities for tasks that demand delicate interactions and precise force control.