Researchers have developed a "neuromorphic" artificial skin for robots, mimicking the human nervous system's method of processing sensory information. The artificial skin uses spiking circuitry, drawing inspiration from how signals from sensory neurons are transmitted and integrated in the body. This development could lead to more energy-efficient AI-based control software for robots.
The human nervous system excels at tracking sensory information through a complex system of activity spikes transmitted between neurons. The new artificial skin replicates this process, using specialized sensors for various sensations like heat, cold, pressure, and pain. These sensors feed into a system that mimics the spinal column, where preliminary processing occurs.
While the system incorporates some non-neural components, it leverages existing chips designed to run neural networks using spiking signals. This allows for seamless integration with energy-efficient hardware, paving the way for AI-driven control systems.
The implications of this technology extend to various fields, including robotics, prosthetics, and human-computer interaction. By mimicking the human nervous system, robots can achieve more nuanced and responsive interactions with their environment. This could lead to advancements in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, and exploration.
The development of neuromorphic artificial skin represents a significant step toward creating robots that can perceive and react to their surroundings in a more human-like manner. Further research and development in this area could lead to even more sophisticated and versatile robotic systems.
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