<center>https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/04/10/17/49/hand-3308188_960_720.jpg</center>
Researchers from the *National University of Singapore* have been able to develop a <b>unique sensor system</b>, *[Asynchronous Coded Electronic Skin](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190718112417.htm) (ACES),* giving robots an extreme sense of touch. 

Their sensor system is reportedly able to respond 1000x faster than human abilities; [our own sense of touch](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190718112417.htm).

Artificial and [3D printed skin](https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/18/stretchable-skin-robots/) has also been utilized for advancing human-robot interaction etc. Researchers have been increasingly looking for ways to improve that sense of touch for robots, which would give them the ability to better protect themselves better. 

## The new research is considered a major breakthrough for the [area of prosthetic technology](https://www.medgadget.com/2019/07/super-sensitive-electronic-skin-for-prosthetic-devices.html).

<center></center> Their e-skin works <b>using just one single electrical cable</b> and that cable connects to all of the sensors; the skin has been seen to be *incredibly responsive*. In the future, this technology can be potentially integrated into devices such as prosthetic arms, assistive devices, and clothing. 

Researchers have also been working on 3D printing sensors that [can enable robots to feel too](https://steemit.com/health/@doitvoluntarily/3d-printed-sensor-could-enable-robots-to-feel), they've also created electronic gloves that contain sensors that might be able to help do this.

<center>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4-3dohYots</center>
By [equipping robots with a better sense](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190718112417.htm) of touch, researchers say that it's going to help them to be able to [interact better with humans](https://www.printedelectronicsworld.com/articles/17702/exceptional-sense-of-touch-for-robots-prosthetics).

Researchers also note that it could enable robots to perform delicate surgery and other sensitive tasks <b>without the need for assistance [from human operators](https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/18/stretchable-skin-robots/)</b>. It could also improve their ability to just perform basic tasks without looking like put an object down on a table or put down a glass of water etc, to know how hard they are squeezing an [object or when to let go](https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/robots-develop-sense-of-touch/3871066.html), to feel how hot or cold something might be. 

In the future, they hope to apply the same knowledge in adding a sense of touch to legs and artificial arms, it's going to enable them to work in [much more diverse settings](https://futurism.com/soft-robots-sense-world). 


Pics:
pixabay

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