A robot with sensitive full-body skin

Inspired by human skin, researchers have developed a system combining artificial skin with control algorithms and used it to create the first autonomous humanoid robot with full-body artificial skin.

Developed by professor Gordon Cheng and his team from Technical University of Munich in Germany, the artificial skin consists of hexagonal cells about the size of a two-euro coin (about one inch in diameter).

Such artificial skin enables robots to perceive their surroundings in much greater detail and with more sensitivity.

This not only helps them to move safely. It also makes them safer when operating near people and gives them the ability to anticipate and actively avoid accidents.