Sensitive Touch

The key to making artificially intelligent robots lies in giving them plenty of ways to gather information about their environment. Takao Someya, a researcher at the University of Tokyo, has created an electronic film—made up of bendable, shock-resistant transistors embedded in plastic—that can detect pressure and temperature. The sheet, known as a "large-area sensor array," is flexible enough to cover small objects and could give robots a sense of touch.

Another potential use: smart carpet or furniture upholstery that can automatically adjust its temperature.

Inventor: Takao Someya
Availability: Prototype only

To Learn More: [Takao Someya Group]