Now even robots will feel pain: Chinese scientists have created human-like e-skin, it will immediately remove the hand in case of injury.

Scientists in China have created an ‘electronic skin’ that will not only make the robot feel touch, but will also feel pain. This skin, prepared under the leadership of engineer Yuyu Gao of City University of Hong Kong, is based on ‘neuromorphic’ technology, which works exactly like the nervous system of humans.

Its biggest advantage is that if the robot touches any sharp or hot object, it will show ‘reflex action’ like a human and immediately withdraw its hand. This will increase the safety of both the robot and the humans who come in contact with it.

Skin is made of four layers, detects pressure through signals

This artificial skin is made of 4 active layers. According to scientists, when someone touches this skin, it converts that touch into an electrical signal. These signals are just like our nerves send signals to the brain.

If the pressure is light, the robot will consider it a normal touch and continue its work, but as soon as the pressure exceeds a certain limit, the robot will recognize it as ‘pain’ and react immediately.

Reflex system: Will take decisions without brain’s permission

The most special thing about this technology is its ‘reflex system’. Normally every action of the robot passes through its central processor (brain), which takes time, but in this e-skin a direct path has been created.

As soon as sharp pain or harmful injury is felt, the signal sends high-voltage pulses directly to the robot’s motors. Due to this, the robot’s body part retracts immediately without waiting for instructions from the ‘brain’. It is just like when our hand falls on a burning candle, it automatically pulls back.

Magnetic module: skin will be replaced in seconds if damaged

Scientists have made it not only sensitive but also durable. This skin is made of small magnetic modules, which are connected together like building blocks.

• Self-Awareness: Each sensor unit continuously sends a small signal to indicate that it is working.
• Quick Repair: If any part of the skin is cut or torn, the signal will stop. With this, the robot immediately knows where the injury has occurred. Although this skin cannot heal itself, the damaged area can be removed with the help of magnets in seconds and a new area can be replaced.

Affinity will increase between humans and robots

Researchers say that by feeling pain, robots will now behave more ‘human’, due to which their coordination and connection with humans will be better than before. When robots can sense pain and touch, they will be able to interact and work with humans more sensitively.

This technology will prove to be a game changer especially for robots that are deployed to take care of the elderly in homes or help patients in hospitals.

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