A team of scientists from the City University of Hong Kong, Dalian University of Technology, Tsinghua University, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have successfully developed a type of wireless electronic skin patches that would enable man to control a robot remotely.
The device is designed to accurately capture the movement and stress factors of the robots which can thereby be responded to remotely.
Although this is not a new development, and scientists have previously developed technology that can control humans remotely, the researchers note that the new technology is much more advanced.
What makes the new electronic skin patch special?
Compared to its predecessors, the skin patch is far less bulky, easier to handle, and provides more feedback.
The previously developed technologies provided little feedback apart from a video stream. Whereas the patch comes with its own sensors and wireless transmitters that enable it to read and send the information it is receiving.
It also comes with small vibrating magnets that enable haptic feedback in the patches. The feedback signals are delivered to the controller with the help of Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi network within 4 microseconds.
How is the bionic skin placed?
A bunch of patches is placed on the body of the controller at the joints such as elbows, and the sensors react as the patch is bent, and send corresponding signals to the robot through the above mention modes of communication.
Similar patches are attached to the parts of the robot which allows two-way signals between the remote machine and its operator. The researchers have claimed that the device is so sensitive that the operator can tell the difference between a harder and softer piece of rubber the robot is holding.
The conclusion!
Undoubtedly, it is a stunning advancement in the field of science and technology which holds the potential to serve humanity in various fonts, including but not limited to bomb disposal and radioactive waste treatment.
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