Robotics breakthrough: Scientists make artificial skin

Summary

In this fascinating article, it explains how biotech wizards and engineers have successfully created electronic skin that can sense touch. Many people state that this invention will be a great step in the field of robotics. This exuberant new invention reacts the same like human skin when put under different pressures.

Along with this, come very challenging boundaries along the way. One of them is producing a robot with more sensitive arms so I can do everyday tasks and throw away the clumsy robots. “Humans generally know how to hold a fragile egg without breaking it”, said Ali Javey, an associate professor at the University of California. These are the types of things we want to get robots doing to. Another problem of robots is smell and taste but touch is one of the greatest problems every scientist faces.

The “e-skin” made by Jarvey’s team was made by germanium and silicon rolled onto a sticky polyimide film. Using many types of measurements and machines, they have created an invention that can detect pressure enough for daily activities such as typing.

Another aspect that many engineers want to change is the ability to connect the skin to the nervous system. Because of that, we can pain and pressure and this is the ultimate goal for the future.

This is a very intriguing invention that has astounded the entire world. Now I will tell you the major uses this robot may have. Firstly, these robots may help us in the future and in everyday life. For example, robots may do the house work and help you defeat everyday tasks. The second reason for why this e-skin is very effective is because it can send information from nature. For example, we could send one of the robots into space and the information sent back is actually how a person would feel. Remember this e-skin can also feel pressure, humidity and temperature. In fact, it can feel much more than that.

In conclusion I think this invention will really affect society and is a great step in the field of robotics as well as electronics.

Reflection

After all I have read, I am very curious and amazed how much technology has advanced. Although this topic doesn’t have much to do with chemistry, chemistry is a big aspect of the creation of this fascinating invention. As I mentioned earlier, the e-skin was created by mixing germanium and silicon which are to elements on the periodic table. This explains that although the elements are not the center focus, without them, there would be e-skin. What I wan to say is that there is not only the main factor but the secondary factors. This article can also be used as a morale point. Never look at the big, but also look at the details. There is always something more, more detail. I really learned a lot from this article, scientifically and logically.

Finally, I want to state that I am very impressed by this invention and using this article my view towards chemicals and their reactions changed. I am very impressed and I look forward to learning more about the world of chemicals.