Enhanced Sensory Perception Via Advanced Synthetic Skin

Current robotic technologies are excellent at operating and performing tasks in structured environments. However, operating in variable terrain, such as underwater environments, or manipulating variable objects and tools requires sensory perception akin to human skin. Electronic skins (e-skins) are an emerging technology which promise to allow autonomous robots to operate in variable environments. These technologies seek to mimic the sensory perception of human skin, enabling robots to feel and manipulate objects around them, as well as move through their environment in unstructured, complex pathways. To date, research and development of e-skins has been heavily laboratory focused. Additionally, researchers often seek to achieve sensitivities far beyond what is necessary for a useful e-skin, resulting in overly complex AI architectures and production processes. 3D printed e-skins offer a route to develop a cheap, easily scalable manufacturing process, enabling the rapid development and deployment of e-skins. In this project, TDA is developing a modular 3D printed, easily scalable e-skin intended for use in underwater environments along with an associated AI to interpret the results.