A group of Chinese scientists have created a new sensor system that mimics the tip of a human finger. A sensor that mimics the inside of a human finger can determine the texture of the object it touches in real time. Eventually, scientists hope to take this to the next level and allow people with prosthetics to feel what the sensor is detecting. This development will also be beneficial in the field of robotics.

Developed by researchers from the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, Xi’an University of Xi’an, and the University of Houston, the sensor uses artificial intelligence technology to recognize different textures such as wool, linen, nylon, polyester, and polyester. View twill and results over time.

“A sensor system integrated into a prosthetic finger can identify 20 different commercial tissues with 100 percent accuracy at a constant sliding rate,” the team wrote in a paper published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications. he wrote.

The sensor is attached to the fingertip of the prosthetic hand. When it passes through different tissues, the signal is sent to a computer and analyzed by machine learning. The recognition result is now displayed on the screen. The sensor detects tissue through both static pressure and high-frequency vibrations. According to the researchers, this single-sensor system is simpler and more reliable than existing systems that require the use of two sensors integrated with two sets of data acquisition systems.

“The researchers noted that such a system is expected to contribute to the development of sensory technologies in the field of robotics and prosthetics and could be potentially useful for sensory rehabilitation of patients using artificial prostheses based on haptic virtual reality and consumer electronics application..

Lead author Guo Chuanfei, a professor in SUSTech’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, said the team is working to not only display data from the sensor on the screen, but also enable people with prosthetic limbs to experience what the sensor detects. “Transmitting electrical signals to the brain via nerves is still a very complex technological task. – says Guo Chuanfei. – So we moved on to transmitting signals to other parts of the body, such as the upper arm or chest, which allows the brain to process the information received.“.

According to him, in addition to applications in robotics and for people with prosthetics, the technology can also be used in virtual reality; For example, the user will be able to remotely feel the sensation of touch during video calls or feel the texture of products while shopping. Internet. Source