A recent study in Opto-Electronic Advances explores a new type of bionic skin that uses multi-photon technology. This skin enhances our ability to perceive textures and shapes, similar to how humans feel and interpret touch.
Our palms are sensitive, packed with over 20,000 tactile receptors. These receptors work together to detect various touch signals. When we touch an object, these receptors send signals to our brains, allowing us to discern details like shape and texture. Inspired by this sensory experience, researchers are creating tactile sensors that mimic human skin.
While traditional electronic sensors can replicate some touch functions, they face challenges like potential leakage and low sensitivity. In contrast, optical sensors offer a promising approach. These sensors use light to capture and transmit tactile information, making them less prone to interference.
To tackle the limitations of current tactile technology, Yu Yang and his team from the National University of Defense Technology developed an Optical Microfiber Array Skin (OMAS). This artificial skin mimics human fingertips, allowing it to detect various touch qualities. By combining OMAS with smart signal processing using machine learning, the team can interpret and visualize the features of objects touched.
Tests showed that OMAS can accurately recognize different textures and shapes, achieving remarkable results. For example, it could identify the softness and hardness of objects with 100% accuracy and correctly recognize various fabric types and Braille digits with over 98% success.
This bionic skin was also integrated into a robotic hand, helping the robot to identify items like mahjong tiles. This proves that this advanced tactile sensor can facilitate complex texture recognition, crucial for tasks requiring fine manipulation.
The multi-photon bionic skin developed in this research can effectively mimic human touch, making it useful for smart wearables, robotics, and virtual reality applications. As this technology evolves, researchers aim to improve its performance in challenging environments, potentially aiding in fields like marine exploration and space missions.
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Journal reference:
Zhou, H., et al. (2025). Multi-photon neuron embedded bionic skin for high-precision complex texture and object reconstruction perception research. Opto-Electronic Advances. doi.org/10.29026/oea.2025.240152.
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Skin, Brain, Cell, micro, Nerve, Neuron, Photonics, Research, Technology
