Researchers are already working to create smart skin that embeds sensors that mimic the tactile feedback of human skin, making it possible for amputees to feel pressure, temperature and even dampness. But how to power the futuristic material?
A team from the University of Glasgow in the UK has come up with a version that harnesses the sun's rays. Because it produces its own energy from a natural source, the engineers say, the electronic skin would operate longer than similar materials powered by batteries or tethered to a power source that would also limit portability, clearly a key feature of any everyday prosthetic or touch-sensitive robot on the go.
The team of engineers attached a layer of power-generating photovoltaic cells to the back of a sensor-laden prosthetic hand. The sensors are made from graphene, a flexible material that's stronger than steel, electrically conductive and transparent.
(Score: 3, Touché) by wisnoskij on Saturday March 25 2017, @01:52PM
This graphene must be really great, if it can power a prosthetic leg while indoors and under your pants.
What will they think of next? Solar powered heated underwear? Solar Powered washing machines?
If you want an arm, you want it covered in durable and human like skin. If you want to power it somewhat on the go, you will need some sort of solar hat. But in any situation you will need 12+ hours of charge anyways, so better to just stick with that and put a solar panel on your roof.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday March 25 2017, @02:04PM
I thought dampness detection by our skin is more to do with temperature sensing? http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/srt.12148/abstract [wiley.com]
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0040517516671127?journalCode=trjc [sagepub.com]
Bonus link: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2011/12/how-thermal-grill-illusion-tricks-mind [sciencemag.org]
(Score: 2) by Scruffy Beard 2 on Saturday March 25 2017, @07:15PM
So if you are an amputee, you can't even fumble around in the dark: because light powers your sense of touch?