A group of researchers has created a robotic fingertip that mimics human skin in terms of feel.
Since robot grippers could not perfectly duplicate this 3D-printed creation, it may be the closest thing to a human fingertip now available.
NARANGBA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Connor Wyvill, 12, a trial recipient of a 3D prosthetic arm made from recycled hair salon waste speaks with Bernie Craven, founder of Waste Free Systems plays about design on July 27, 2019 in Narangba, Australia. In collaboration with e-NABLE (a global 3D printing network) Craven is creating prosthetic limbs from recycled plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles, currently trialing designs with young South East Queensland participants Hailey Wright and Connor Wyvill, who were both born without part of their left forearm and hand. Craven is a semi-retired hairdresser with over 40 years industry experience and estimates that Australian hair salons produce between 40,000 and 50,000 tonnes of waste per year. His waste collection system consists of in-store separation and can save 90% of salon waste from land fill while promoting a circular-style business community. Organic waste such as hair can be composted to absorb oils, cardboard recycled and metals can be delivered to smelters for melting and repurposing.
3D-Printer Human Fingertip Made
According to a story published by Sky News on Wednesday, April 6, experts believe that this 3D-printed fingertip might be a game-changer in the field of prosthetics, in addition to robotics.
The same report also noted that the 3D fingertip can send nerve impulses similar to those produced by our nerve endings, much like a human fingertip. The only difference is that the robot creates them artificially.
Professor Nathan Lepora, who teaches engineering mathematics at the University of Bristol, believes that this development will help them learn more about the underlying anatomy of the human skin, particularly the sensation of touch.
"This is an exciting development in the field of soft robotics - being able to 3D-print tactile skin could create robots that are more dexterous or significantly improve the performance of prosthetic hands by giving them an in-built sense of touch," the Bristol Robotics Lab-based teacher said in a statement.
How Researchers Made An Artificial Fingertip
The development of a robotic fingertip is a difficult task. According to the Daily Mail, the researchers used a 3D-printed mesh that should have the same texture as actual human skin.
The lumps, or papillae, were specifically used by the specialists. They integrated them into 3D printers and blended them with other materials to create the 3D-printed fingertip as a final result.
According to Lepora and his colleagues, the 3D-printed tactile fingertip is significantly capable. That is, "actual" neurons produce recording-like nerve impulses.
He also pointed out how the 3D-printed fingertip looks like actual human skin. It has a very similar blueprint to their neurological data, he claims.
Study Lapses
Despite its capacity to generate human nerve impulses, the device has one flaw — it cannot sense a fine detail.
It might be due to the thickness of the 3D-printed skin, according to Lepora. Artificial skin is, in fact, thicker than human skin.
The researchers sought to take it a step further by investigating the microscopic side of human skin at this stage. The team's goal, according to Lepora, is to create a makeshift skin that is as excellent as, if not better than, human skin.
Lepora and his research team have published the outcomes of their investigation in two journals. The following are the titles:
- 'Artificial SA-I, RA-I and RA-II/vibrotactile afferents for tactile sensing of texture,' by Pestell, N. & Lepora, N. in Journal of the Royal Society Interface; and
- 'Artificial SA-I and RA-I afferents for tactile sensing of ridges and gratings,' by Pestell, N., Griffith, T. and Lepora, N. in Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
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