Italian researchers have
developed a bionic fingertip that is able to recognise texture,
pressure, hardness, curvature and other information deriving
from touch, media reported Thursday.
The system "is formed by a matrix containing small sensors
simulating the distribution of the nerve endings that are
naturally present in the tips of the fingers," said Calogero
Oddo, director of the Human Machine Nexus Laboratory at the
Sant'Anna school of advanced studies in Pisa.
Consequently, it is able to preceive and codify all the
dimensions of touch.
The artificial device could be ready for human trial within
a year.
Its primary aim is to improve the performance of prosthetic
hands but it could also be applied to industrial robotics and to
a new generation of tactile televisions and smartphones,
researchers said.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
