In a major scientific breakthrough, a team of researchers at the RMIT University in Australia has designed an artificial skin made with stretchable electronics that can react to painful sensations and respond to changes in temperature and pressure.
Highlights:
- Australian researchers develop electronic skin that can react to pain just like real skin
- The new artificial skin can react to pressure, heat or cold reach a painful threshold
- Indian researcher led the Australian team that developed the electronic skin
Lead researcher Professor Madhu Bhaskaran said the pain-sensing prototype is a major discovery in the fields of biomedical technologies and intelligent robotics, as no electronic technology has been able to emulate the human feeling of pain "until now."
“Our artificial skin reacts instantly when pressure, heat or cold reach a painful threshold.
“It’s a critical step forward in the future development of the sophisticated feedback systems that we need to deliver truly smart prosthetics and intelligent robotics," said Prof. Bhaskaran.
The research team used three technologies to develop the prototype, including stretchable electronics, temperature reactive coatings and brain-mimicking memory.
Dr. Ataur Rahman, a doctoral researcher working on the study, said while some existing technologies have used electric signals to replicate different levels of real human pain, the new artificial skin can trigger reactions to real mechanical pressure, temperature and pain, and deliver the right electronic response.
“It means our artificial skin knows the difference between gently touching a pin with your finger or accidentally stabbing yourself with it – a critical distinction that has never been achieved before electronically," said Dr. Rahman.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Find out what restrictions are in place for your state or territory.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at http://www.sbs.com.au/coronavirus
Listen to SBS Punjabi Monday to Friday at 9 pm. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
