Electronic skin gives robots the sense of touch they need to handle delicate produce

Robots could soon handle delicate objects more reliably thanks to an electronic skin capable of detecting changes in pressure, movement, and minor slippage. The technology, developed by Touchlab, converts these variations into signals that a machine can interpret to adjust its grip in near real time.

The system works on what is known as the quantum tunneling effect. Pressure changes on the material alter an electrical signal that can be measured with high precision. Using this data, the robot can determine not only how much force it is applying, but also whether an object is beginning to shift and in which direction.

This capability complements the computer vision systems that robots typically rely on. A camera can locate a strawberry, for example, but on its own it cannot provide the same information about the force needed to hold it without causing damage, or about potential slippage.

Touchlab already sells tactile components commercially and has integrated its TACTO technology into robotic hands made by companies including Shadow Robot and Tesollo. The company is also working to extend the surface area of robots equipped with these sensors beyond the fingertips.

The development also raises challenges around durability, cost, and data management. Touchlab is working toward processing some of the data directly on the robot itself, to speed up response times and avoid the continuous transmission of all sensor data.

The ultimate goal is to extend this type of sensor across an ever-larger surface area of robots and make touch a standard capability of these machines.