IIT-Mandi researchers develop artificial skin capable of sensing touch, temperature

Can prove major game-changer in plastic surgery, prosthetic limbs

MANDI: Researchers at IIT-Mandi in Himachal Pradesh have successfully developed a digital skin that can sense temperature, pressure and surface textures.

The artificial skin, created after two years of research, was developed by a team led by Assistant Professor Sreekanth from the School of Computing and Electrical Engineering.

The innovation is expected to be a game-changer for individuals who have lost limbs as it can be integrated with robotic prosthetics to enhance their functionality.

How it works and potential applications

Unlike conventional robots that lack sensory perception, this digital skin enables robots to identify temperature variations, pressure requirements and surface textures.

The research team has been continuously working on enhancing its capabilities. The skin is composed of PDMS material, a rubber-like gel filled with hydrogel, and is expected to last four to five years.

Further testing under extreme heat and cold conditions is underway, which will continue for the next year.

Helping robots in healthcare

In another major achievement, IIT-Mandi researchers have also developed a helping robot designed to assist nurses in hospitals.

This robot can receive commands through voice inputs like Alexa, button controls and other modes. It is programmed to fetch medicines from designated compartments, assist with hygiene, and manage injections, significantly reducing the workload of healthcare professionals.

Sunil Chadda(TNR)