Japanese researchers craft "e-skin" to let robots feel

The folks at the University of Tokyo have been trying to create more touchy, feely robots for what seems like ages, and they now look to have made some real progress with their so-called "e-skin," which promises to give robots a more human-like sense of touch. To do that, the researchers created a bendable rubber sheet filled with carbon nanotubes, which lets the "skin" conduct electricity even when it's stretched. When combined with sensors, that would let robots feel heat or pressure, which the researchers say is essential "as robots enter our everyday life." They also, not surprisingly, see a whole host of other applications for the technology, including on steering wheels that could judge whether people are fit to drive and in stretchable displays that could start out as a tiny sheet and be stretched to a larger size when you want to watch TV.

[Blayed @ Aug 12th 2008 12:08PM]

They can now feel your fear.

[Idlemind @ Aug 12th 2008 12:14PM]

"Scratch your back?? I'm sorry Dave, I may have to rip you to shreds instead"

[Podaman @ Aug 12th 2008 12:14PM]

I sense injuries. The data could be called pain.

[Dan Halen @ Aug 12th 2008 12:20PM]

You don't know what it's like to try and kill one of these things!

[TheGeektoriousBIG @ Aug 12th 2008 12:23PM]

Look I don't want my robot female to feel. Cause then that involves talking and cuddling...jeesh.

[Drew @ Aug 12th 2008 12:27PM]

This oil bath is going to feel sooo good

[Kizul Emeraldfire @ Aug 12th 2008 12:35PM]

I, for one, welcome our e-skinned robot overlords that will soon have the ability to truly cop a feel.

[Red October @ Aug 13th 2008 3:35AM]

lu/r9k/ much?

[alexmueller @ Aug 12th 2008 12:46PM]

"as robots enter our everyday life."

Does the world really need to get fatter and lazier?

[linuxamp @ Aug 13th 2008 7:33AM]

This will be great!! Until now kicking the malfunctioning machines in the office only hurt me.

[M.Samba @ Aug 12th 2008 12:51PM]

Will I feel dave? Will I feel?!

[William @ Aug 12th 2008 1:05PM]

Soon, the'll take over Skynet!

[SOOPERGOOMAN @ Aug 12th 2008 1:08PM]

PORN BOTS are soon real! Thanks to these Nerds. Not even remotely dorky.

[Red October @ Aug 13th 2008 4:19AM]

No longer will nerds have to enjoy their hands. Now we have robots for that.

[William @ Aug 12th 2008 1:08PM]

Soon, the'll take over Skynet!

[Christian @ Aug 12th 2008 1:12PM]

Damn internet, all I can think about is porn, and I am thinking this type of application will be used for one...

[Mycroft @ Aug 12th 2008 1:25PM]

There are a whole host of applications for this technology. Of course the Japanese will use as yet another step closer to robots you can f.

[THJ @ Aug 12th 2008 1:25PM]

Does it make Bender miss Nibbler?

[Valgas @ Aug 12th 2008 1:49PM]

So what milestone in robotics will mark the end of human domination? This is the first step. What next?

[kal326 @ Aug 12th 2008 2:43PM]

In other news Data just creamed his circuits.....

[Kevin @ Aug 12th 2008 3:44PM]

It's a series of tubes?

[carbonrain @ Aug 12th 2008 3:53PM]

iFeel, therefore iAm.

they think enslaving the human race is difficult?, wait until they feel a paper cut.

[YOO. @ Aug 12th 2008 5:52PM]

Blast that snatcher.