Robotic Touch: U Researchers Develop Way To Print Bionic Skin

This is interesting not only for Robots but for Humans.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota say they’ve developed a way to make “bionic skin,” technology that could allow robots to feel their environments and humans to wear sensory-enhancing devices directly on their fingertips.

The university announced the discovery Wednesday, adding that the research, led by mechanical engineering professor Michael McAlpine, will be published in the next issue of Advanced Materials.

According to the U of M, McAlpine and his fellow researchers developed a way to 3D-print “stretchable electronic fabric” on human skin. While they haven’t printed the technology on real human fingers just yet, they were able to successfully print the sensory material on the curved surface of model human hands.

The researchers say the technology could have several applications, from medicine to warfare. They added that the technology could be available in the very near future, as the 3D printing manufacturing techniques are part of the team’s discovery.

“Putting this type of ‘bionic skin’ on surgical robots would give surgeons the ability to actually feel during minimally invasive surgeries, which would make surgery easier instead of just using cameras like they do now,” McAlpine said, in a statement announcing the discovery. “These sensors could also make it easier for other robots to walk and interact with their environment.”

minnesota.cbslocal.com...

The Robot angle is interesting but the putting these sensors on human hands would be interesting. You could basically touch something and instantly get all kind of information about the object. If you see something you like, you can save it to your computer just by touching it. You might be able to pay for your items by getting your hand scanned (I know, I know Revelations). Anyway, this is interesting technology. Here's a video below.

Hard to imagine what kind of future world we will live in ... Definitely the good the bad and the astounding in the next 50 or so years......if we do not destroy ourselves

this could have interesting applications for...bedroom activities.

originally posted by: Tardacus
this could have interesting applications for...bedroom activities.

If you need a 3D printer for interesting bedroom activities, .... well then you're me.

hackers ??

a reply to: neoholographic I have a friend attending to this University of Minnesota. She's not very bright intellectual, but somehow I feel she fits there perfectly. Darn brainless scientists... can't stop amazing me how many ways they have to waste their time and resources...