New robotic sensing units could assist improve prosthetics.
A pioneering project to establish innovative pressure sensors for use in robotic systems might transform prosthetics and robotic limbs.
The innovative research study project aims to develop sensing units that supply enhanced capabilities to robotics, assisting improve their motor skills and dexterity, through making use of extremely accurate pressure sensors that offer haptic feedback and dispersed touch. It is led by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Integrated Graphene Ltd, and supported by the Scottish Research Partnership in Engineering (SRPe) and the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland (NMIS) Industry Doctorate Programme in Advanced Manufacturing.
Professor Des Gibson, Director of the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging at UWS and job principal investigator, said: “Over current years the advancements in the robotics market have been impressive, nevertheless, due to a lack of sensory capabilities, robotic systems frequently stop working to execute particular jobs quickly. For robots to reach their complete capacity, precise pressure sensing units, efficient in offering higher tactile ability, are required.
” Our cooperation with Integrated Graphene Ltd, has caused the development of sophisticated pressure sensor innovation, which could assist transform robotic systems.”
Made from 3D graphene foam, which offers unique homes when put under mechanical stress, the sensing units utilize a piezoresistive approach. This indicates that when the material is put under pressure it dynamically changes its electrical resistance, easily spotting and adapting to the series of pressure required, from light to heavy.
Marco Caffio, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Integrated Graphene said: “Gii, our unique 3D graphene foam, has the ability to mimic the sensitivity and feedback of human touch, which could have a transformative effect on how robotics can be utilized for a whole series of real-world applications from surgery to accuracy manufacturing.
” We know the special home of Gii makes it ideal for use in other applications like illness diagnostics and energy storage, so were constantly really thrilled to be able to show its versatility in jobs like this one.”
Dr. Carlos Garcia Nunez, School of Computing Engineering and Physical Sciences at UWS included: “Within robotics and wearable electronic devices the usage of pressure sensors is an essential component, to supply either an info input system, or to offer robotic systems human-like motor skills. An innovative material like 3D graphene foam offers excellent capacity for usage in such applications, due to its impressive electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties.
” Our work shines a light on the substantial potential for this technology to change the robotics industry with vibrant pressure sensors.”
Claire Ordoyno, Interim Director of SRPe, specified: “The SRPe– NMIS Industrial Doctorate Programme combines groundbreaking academic research with industry partners to drive forward development in engineering. These collaborative PhD jobs not only boost the Scottish engineering research landscape, however produce innovation focussed, industry-ready PhD graduates to feed the skill pipeline.”
The next phase of the task– moneyed by UWS, Integrated Graphene Ltd, SRPe and NMIS– will aim to additional increase sensitivity of the sensors, prior to establishing for broader use in robotic systems.
Reference: “Ultra-Thin Graphene Foam Based Flexible Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors for Robotics” by Connor I. Douglas, Carlos Garcia Nuñez, Marco Caffio and Des Gibson, June 2022, Key Engineering Materials.DOI: 10.4028/ p-oy94hj.
