Glasgow solar skin delivers ultimate light touch

Described in IEEE Transactions on Robotics, the technology uses the miniaturised solar cells not only to power the actuators in a robotic hand, but also to give it a sense of ‘touch’ by measuring variations in cell output as objects approach and diminish the available light. By gauging the levels of power produced in each cell, the e-skin can detect the shape of an incoming object.

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In addition, simple LEDs in between the solar cells bounce infra-red light off approaching objects to assess distance. Combined, the two forms of light measurement provide the skin with a sense of touch that could enhance prosthetic limbs and robotics, without the need for embedded touch sensors. During testing in the lab, it enabled the team’s robotic hand to grasp objects such as rubber balls that were placed in front of it.