Flexible Sensors Make Robot Skin

Roland Piquepaille writes "In recent years, lots of efforts have been made to give robots the ability to hear and see. But what about the sense of touch? Unlike us, robots don't have sensitive skin. But this is about to change. By using organic, or plastic, field-effect transistors as pressure sensors deposited on a flexible material, researchers at the University of Tokyo have created an artificial skin which will give robots the sense of touch. The prototype has a density of 16 sensors per square centimeter, far from the 1,500 of our fingertips. When this density increases and when the problem of the reliability of this kind of transistors is solved, the researchers say this artificial skin will also be used for car seats or gym carpets. Expect to see them in four or five years. More details and a picture of a robotic hand using organic transistors as pressure sensors."

Comments

Fo real

[Anonymous Coward]

More real realdoll.

*big smile*

Oh yeah

Re:Fo real

[victor_the_cleaner]

That's what I thought of first, the pr0n impact.

Then of course during the first 'interface' with your new sensitive doll, it would remark... "is that all you got?"

Every time I sit down in my car...

[Short Circuit]

KITT: "You know, Mike, we need to talk about how you're doing on your diet."

If your name is Roland, the message is clear

[Anonymous Coward]

Your parents hate you and want to see you suffer.

You know where the money is

[Frac]

Make the inflatable dolls play audio clips when certain sensors are touched.

My parents would be so proud.

Re:You know where the money is

[cryms0n]

"Hey that's sexual harrassment!"

"Put your finger there again and lose it!"

"Don't touch me, weirdo!"

And, my favorite,

"Just what do you think you're doing, Dave?"

Re:"Is it becoming clear to you yet?"

[Sneeper]

And thousands of slashdotters pause to fantasize about the Borg Queen. Sexiest. Villain. Ever.

Eeew I can see it now

[aarku]

Mom: Joey! Stop bouncing around in your seat!
Joey: But Maaa!
Back Seat: .... Please don't stop...

Re:Cool

[Short Circuit]

On the bright side, you could use strong sterilization methods; less risk of STDs.

I for one

[lonesome phreak]

welcome our new golden skinned robotic overlords.

Seriously, that picture kinda creeps me out.

If the robot doesn't behave....

[Anonymous Coward]

...at least you can tickle it.

--
Try Nuggets , the mobile search engine. We answer your questions via SMS, across the UK.

Re:"Is it becoming clear to you yet?"

[pyrrhonist]

And thousands of slashdotters pause to fantasize about the Borg Queen. Sexiest. Villain. Ever.

Well, she gives good head anyway, but that's probably because hers is detachable.

Re:THE SENSOR-SENSATION GAP

[kfg]

how does one overcome the sensor-sensation gap?

In the case of a sex android one does not even bother trying, as it's only the sensations produced in the human componant that matter.

All the android has be able to do is adeptly fake it, making it more of an android wife than an android girlfriend.

KFG

Oh yeah, greeeeat...

[spoco2]

"this artificial skin will also be used for car seats or gym carpets"

Car Seat: You seem to have put on a bit of weight mam.
Driver: I have not, how dare you.
Car Seat: And, if I feel correctly you... yup, oh yeah, over there, feel that... you've got some cellulite on your thighs too.
Driver: My god! I never!
Car Seat: I feel you are now tensing your buttocks madam...

Re:New Gillette Robo-Shave

[Capt'n Hector]

Then I guess you also don't understand cutting your hair and nails... yup, your average slashdotter!

Obligatory Simpsons quote

[Anonymous Coward]

Robot: Why?! Why was I made to feel pain?!

Finally! Anti-Ninja surfaces! Affair Detectors!

[digital photo]

After decades of research, there is now the technology to defeat those wall clinging, ceiling hiding, floor light-footing ninjas!(and web slingers, kung fu masters, ballerinas, etc).

Just apply the new "feel it" intelligent surface film to every surface inside and outside of your home!

Know instantly by pattern recognition and fuzzy logic, when your loved one is cheating on you and know exactly on what table, floor, wall, or patio! You will know the exact time(s) and how many times your loved one has gotton the good vibration from your neighbor, your cook, your best friend... all this data can then be converted to full motion, surround sound video footage for personal review, use in court, and on a variety of daytime talk shows. (Video footage generation available when using "Feel It" intelligent films with "See It" intelligent films. Please consult your local informational technology contractor for proper installation procedures!)

Know when that den of roaches comes out for their nightly snack attack on your pet's food and your early morning english muffins!

Know when expensive vat grown ninjas are clamboring into your home to assasinate you for pissing off the wrong multi-national artificial intelligence!

All this can be yours if you are willing to apply the new "feel it" intelligent surface sheets to each and every possible surface in your home.

Coming Soon!

"Know It" intelligent pleasure film for when you want to know who's faking it! Designed to carefully measure pressure, moisture, and hormones, this new wave technological material not only protects you from STD's, but also from fake orgasms, recurring genital warts, another lover's fluids, etc.... (note: use of "Know It" intelligent pleasure film may not be legal to use in all states. Please consult your local laws before purchase and/or use!)

Linux sexbot

[seitentaisei]

If you made a "sexbot" running linux (fine, fine, any OS), you could have it start playing cheesy porn mp3s on cue!

Re:New Gillette Robo-Shave

[ak_hepcat]

It probably has something to do with different tactile sensations being more pleasing to some people than others.

For instance, there are a large group (*gasp*) of people who shave all of the hair around their genitals. Crazy! So either they're rushing, on a swim team, or perverts, right?

Try it once or twice.