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Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong have published a scientific article presenting a neuromorphic electronic skin for humanoid robots that can detect touch, recognize potentially harmful stimuli, and trigger immediate reflex reactions, without going through traditional centralized processing. This innovation is documented in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and relayed by several specialized media.
Unlike conventional touch systems that simply measure pressure and send data to the central unit for analysis, this skin uses an architecture inspired by the human nervous system that generates electrical impulses similar to neural signals. In the case of dangerous stimuli, these impulses trigger rapid local responses, comparable to withdrawal reflexes.
Neuromorphic skin (called neuromorphic robotic e-skin) integrates multiple functional layers that imprint a hierarchy of sensory processing directly into the material. The sensors transmit signals according to the intensity of the contact: a light touch is sent for standard processing, while excessive pressure generates a signal peak intended to be interpreted as a “damage alert” and to activate a reflex without waiting for analysis by a central processor.
This approach greatly improves the speed of response and simulates some aspects of the human reflex, although the skin itself does not consciously think or “feel” pain.
The integration of local reflexes into robotic skin represents a crucial advantage for robots intended to interact with humans or evolve in uncontrolled environments. In collaborative or service robotics, the ability to react instantly to dangerous contacts can reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall functional safety.
In a commercial and industrial context, these improvements can facilitate the adoption of more intuitive and safe robots, for example in health, logistics, or in domestic environments.
In addition to local reflexes, this artificial skin is designed to be modular and repairable. Each segment can be removed and replaced quickly in the event of damage, simplifying maintenance and extending the operational life of robots.
Technically, this type of skin sends signals in the form of pulses depending on the type and intensity of the stimulus, allowing the system to differentiate between several levels of contact.
From a strategic perspective, this development is a major step towards robots that are more adaptive, safe and capable of advanced tactile interaction. It is part of a global research dynamic on advanced robotic sensory interfaces, expected for applications ranging from personal assistance to assisted robotic surgery.
However, we must remain realistic: this technology does not confer consciousness, emotions or will specific to machines. Reflexes are programmed responses inspired by the human nervous system, but they remain integrated sensory information processors, without autonomous cognition.
