Allowing robots to feel

The tactile sensor prototype. (Photograph: ETH Zurich) - With the help of machine learning, ETH researchers have developed a novel yet low-cost tactile sensor. The sensor measures force distribution at high resolution and with great accuracy, enabling robot arms to grasp sensitive or fragile objects. We humans have no problem picking up fragile or slippery objects with our hands. Our sense of touch lets us feel whether we have a firm grasp on the object or if it's about to slip through our fingers, so we can adjust the strength of our grip accordingly. Robot gripper arms tasked with picking up objects that are fragile or slippery or have a complex surface also require this kind of feedback. Robotics researchers at ETH Zurich have now developed a tactile sensor that could come in handy in just such an instance - and marks what they see as a significant step towards "robotic skin".