Skinflow Is a New Soft Robotic Skin-Like Sensor

When developing robotics, especially hands, engineers need to pack a huge amount of functionality into an inherently limited space. As…

Jeremy Cook
5 years agoRobotics / Sensors

When developing robotics, especially hands, engineers need to pack a huge amount of functionality into an inherently limited space. Researchers at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory at the University of Bristol, however, have come up with a novel way to sense indirectly, using hydraulics to transfer actual detection duties to other areas with more space.

The concept, known as Skinflow, uses liquid-filled silicon chambers for sensing. When a touch is applied, the fluid flows out of the manipulated chambers, which can then be measured remotely using a camera-based system or other means.

Implementations so far include a four-button array, and even a touchpad with two sensor layers oriented at 90 degrees to each other to sense X/Y positions (similar to how a capacitive touchscreen works). Researchers have also created a bend sensor that measures how much liquid is squeezed out of a silicon chamber when deformed, using this to indirectly control LEDs.

Besides potential space savings — especially if and when the device can become further miniaturized — Skinflow has the potential to be used where electronics would be impractical, such as radioactive environments or MRI scanners. The project’s paper is available here, though behind a paywall.

Jeremy Cook
Engineer, maker of random contraptions, love learning about tech. Write for various publications, including Hackster!
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