Robots to Feel Heat, Cold, Injury, and Pain with New Artificial Skin
Scientists have developed a breakthrough robotic skin that allows machines to sense heat, cold, touch, and even pain much like human skin.
The innovative “electronic skin” was created by researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, who say it is the most advanced sensory layer ever designed for robots.
Unlike earlier prototypes that could only detect pressure in isolated points, the new skin can register sensations across its entire surface. The team reports that it contains over 8.6 million microscopic electrical pathways that work together to detect contact and temperature changes.
No Additional Sensors Required
The researchers explained that the skin is built as a single, continuous network of nanowires—without needing separate sensors. This design makes it ultra-responsive to the slightest contact, impact, or temperature fluctuation.
According to the study published in Science Robotics, the synthetic skin can detect:
- The touch of a fingertip or an object
- A light electrical shock or sudden force
- Cuts or pressure from sharp edges
Potential Future Applications
Experts believe the technology could be used to:
- Equip humanoid robots so they can safely interact with humans
- Create advanced prosthetic limbs that give users a sense of touch
- Support disaster relief robots to identify injuries or damage in sensitive environments
Lead scientist Professor Ravinder Dahiya said, “This is a significant step toward making robots feel sensations almost the same way humans do. It opens possibilities for safer collaboration and more intelligent machine responses.”
The development is also expected to accelerate research into medical devices and next-generation prosthetics.
