Smart foam, with the ability to perform these functions, can potentially make robots more intelligent and interactive, as well as improve robotic motion, according to researchers at the National University of Singapore. While robots are getting smarter with the advancement in technology, they cannot still touch and feel their surroundings like human beings. A new material invented by researchers dubbed artificially innervated foam, or AiFoam, enables robots to mimic the human sense of touch, sense nearby objects without actually touching, and repair when damaged. Smart foam, with the ability to perform these functions, can potentially make robots more intelligent and interactive, as well as improve robotic motion, according to the researchers. The material is then infused with microscopic metal particles which enables the foam to sense the presence of a human finger.

Source: The Hindu July 07, 2021 06:11 UTC