John Hopkins University is showing off their newest touch sensor for robots. Its flexible and wand-like antenna consists of six strain gauges that have been molded in urethane, giving it an accuracy of 1-1.5cm and allowing it to closely follow a wall. They also intend to install an actuator, allowing the antenna to sweep, making it more like their initial inspiration: the cockroach. At least somewhat more advanced than my Lego Mindstorms bulldozer’s edge-sensor, the urethane-shelled sensors could easily find their way into forthcoming robots that need the ability to feel out their surroundings.
Cockroach inspires robot sensor [ElectronicsWeekly]
