Japanese researchers craft "e-skin" to let robots feel
By Donald Melanson 
posted Aug 12th 2008 12:03PM
posted Aug 12th 2008 12:03PM
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.
They can now feel your fear.
"Scratch your back?? I'm sorry Dave, I may have to rip you to shreds instead"
I sense injuries. The data could be called pain.
You don't know what it's like to try and kill one of these things!
Look I don't want my robot female to feel. Cause then that involves talking and cuddling...jeesh.
This oil bath is going to feel sooo good
iFeel, therefore iAm.
they think enslaving the human race is difficult?, wait until they feel a paper cut.
I, for one, welcome our e-skinned robot overlords that will soon have the ability to truly cop a feel.
lu/r9k/ much?
"as robots enter our everyday life."
Does the world really need to get fatter and lazier?
This will be great!! Until now kicking the malfunctioning machines in the office only hurt me.
Will I feel dave? Will I feel?!
Soon, the'll take over Skynet!
PORN BOTS are soon real! Thanks to these Nerds. Not even remotely dorky.
No longer will nerds have to enjoy their hands. Now we have robots for that.
Soon, the'll take over Skynet!
Damn internet, all I can think about is porn, and I am thinking this type of application will be used for one...
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.
Does it make Bender miss Nibbler?
So what milestone in robotics will mark the end of human domination? This is the first step. What next?
In other news Data just creamed his circuits.....
It's a series of tubes?
Blast that snatcher.