A team of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a cutting-edge artificial sensory nervous system for robots, capable of distinguishing safe touches from potentially harmful ones, emulating the behavior of living organisms. This was reported by Interesting Engineering.
This innovative technology is based on a neuromorphic semiconductor — a new type of memristor that allows for responses to external stimuli without the need for complex software or high computational power.
In humans and animals, familiar stimuli, such as the noise of an air conditioner or clothing, are gradually ignored, while new or threatening signals, like sudden touches or pain, elicit immediate reactions. This mechanism is regulated through two processes: habituation (the dampening of responses to repeated safe stimuli) and sensitization (the enhancement of responses to threatening stimuli). The KAIST team was able to replicate these mechanisms electronically.
The innovation lies in the unique design of the new memristor. Unlike previous models that could only change conductivity in one direction, this device features an additional internal layer that allows for conductivity changes in the opposite direction. This enables the memristor to reduce sensitivity to repetitive touches while rapidly activating in response to painful signals.
To test their development, researchers implanted the system in a prosthetic hand. Initially, it responded to every touch. Over time, if touches were repeated without threat, the response diminished. However, when the same touches were combined with an electric current, the hand became highly sensitive again.
This breakthrough demonstrates that artificial nervous systems can be compact, energy-efficient, and operate without complex software, paving the way for a new era in robotics.
