Researchers make "neuromorphic" artificial skin for robots (arstechnica.com)

Researchers in China have developed an innovative "neuromorphic" artificial skin for robots, inspired by the complex workings of the human nervous system. This advanced robotic skin integrates spiking circuitry to mimic how sensory signals are processed in biological systems. It uses flexible polymer embedded with pressure sensors, which send data through conductive polymers. The key advantage of this approach is its compatibility with energy-efficient neural network hardware that relies on spiking signals, enabling robust AI-driven control systems. The artificial skin focuses primarily on pressure sensing but incorporates vital functionalities found in biological systems, such as spatial recognition of input and damage. The technology encodes sensory information by varying the shape, magnitude, length, and frequency of electrical spikes, with frequency being the primary method of information conveyance. Notably, this development could significantly enhance robotic sensitivity and responsiveness, making strides toward more lifelike interactions in robotics, and bolstering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, robotics, and biology.