Intel shows off robotic hand with "Pre Touch" object conformation

Robotics have come a long way, but they still often miss that innate, nervous sense of reluctant touch. Intel researchers have achieved something similar with a robotic hand that uses electrolocation to create a robotic hand conform to the shape of an object before interacting with it. Shown at Research@Intel Day, the hand uses fish-like electrolocation to bounce electric fields off of objects and then conform the hand to that shape in real time. They call the dynamic "Pre Touch," and it could prove useful for configuring robotics before they interact with objects without, say, damaging them or missing the interface completely. We've been aware of the technology for some time, but as you can see in the video after the break, Intel finally has something to show, and the results are what can only be described as a strangely nervous robotic hand.

[rock99rock @ Jun 12th 2008 9:53AM]

I wanna know what controller they are using under that glass.

[Technophile @ Jun 12th 2008 9:55AM]

creepy.

[Flashpoint @ Jun 12th 2008 9:58AM]

We are going about all this the wrong way.

Put all your funding in Artificial Intelligence and then let the computers decide the best way to build robots.

[Das Boot @ Jun 12th 2008 10:14AM]

I totally agree, I think more advancements would be made with machines making machines. But doesn't this sound eerily familiar? letting a super computer in charge of everything. Sounds like Judgement Day to me.........I'll be back.

[Ayman @ Jun 12th 2008 11:13AM]

yes thats what we need, Robot to tell us that we are inferior to them and we are only good as battaries for them and blogging on engadget

[Donte @ Jun 12th 2008 9:58AM]

This is great now robots can get to 1st base with out ripping a boob off.

[natels @ Jun 12th 2008 10:46AM]

Isn't that second base?

[Stiv @ Jun 12th 2008 11:59AM]

That's second base, stud.

(o)(o)

[OneLove @ Jun 12th 2008 12:07PM]

when you pay for it, its first base.

[BritishGas @ Jun 12th 2008 10:05AM]

BBC's click has a whole demo of it (quite a way)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/default.stm

[Danakin @ Jun 12th 2008 10:10AM]

cool, but until it can interpret what an object is, as opposed to simply knowing that something is in the way, this isn't big news...let me know when it can determine if my hand is dirty and decide whether or not to shake it based on that...now that will be a turning point in technology!

[d840 @ Jun 13th 2008 7:05PM]

Teaching robots how to discriminate would be a turning point all right, but you make it sound like progress!

[BobfromVegas @ Jun 12th 2008 10:26AM]

Thats great. But will it blend?

[fourthletter @ Jun 12th 2008 10:33AM]

I'd like to take this moment to welcome our robot overlords, I do loads of tricks and would make a great pet.

[Podaman @ Jun 12th 2008 10:37AM]

But can it predict crime before it happens?

[g3n3tix @ Jun 12th 2008 10:42AM]

And Microsoft SAM makes it even creepier....

[Ayman @ Jun 12th 2008 11:14AM]

Better yet you get to see robot go all the way

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/segas-e-m-a-robot-walks-like-a-lady-offers-up-smooches/

[Ayman @ Jun 12th 2008 11:15AM]

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/segas-e-m-a-robot-walks-like-a-lady-offers-up-smooches/

[Ayman @ Jun 12th 2008 11:16AM]

Disrigard this please i was trying to comment on "Donte @ Jun 12th 2008 9:58AM" but it is not working

[Motoken @ Jun 12th 2008 1:08PM]

hmmmm....... yes .....YES ......

[Munkcy @ Jun 12th 2008 1:16PM]

When I see someone "LOL" their own comment I instantly lose any and all respect I might have had for them.

[Bill @ Jun 12th 2008 6:04PM]

Well, if I was concerned about the opinions of others, I'd be deeply hurt by your comment. However, I'm not! LOL!

[marty.com.au @ Jun 12th 2008 6:17PM]

Hey a robot woth a sense of humor - It can finally play the "pull my finger!" game!