Researchers at at the National University of Singapore have created a new material they call AIFoam, a sensory smart material designed to give machines a more human-like touch, enabling robots to judge human intentions and respond respond to changes in the environment. The new material is soft and elastic. It's designed to mimic human touch, not only that, but also to sense nearby objects without actually touching them.
AIFoam also repairs itself when damaged. It could drastically change robotics, making it more intelligent and interactive. In humans, touch enables people to manipulate objects and operate effectively in unfamiliar environments. If the robot has this ability, the movement of the robot can be smoother, safer and more predictable. If robots of the future can detect humans and use the information they gain to infer human intentions, they can react faster, for example, and avoid harmful accidents with human contact.
Avoiding collisions with people is especially important for any robot used in crowded areas. Some advanced electronic skins can sense pressure when in direct contact with objects, the researchers said. However, there is no electronic skin that can sense the direction of motion of adjacent objects.
AIFoam is a highly elastic polymer , which is made by mixing a Teflon -like substance called a fluoropolymer with a surfactant that reduces the surface tension of of. This material can be separated into two pieces, but can be easily fused into one. The material also has metallic particles of microscopic , enabling the foam to sense the pressure of capacitive objects like human fingers. Beneath the foam are tiny cylindrical electrodes designed to mimic the nerve endings of human skin.The researchers are currently investigating partnerships with robotics companies and hope to expand the use of AIFoam in areas such as prosthetics.
