The study, led by UWS and Integrated Graphene Ltd, was also supported by the Scottish Engineering Research Partnership (SRPE) in partnership with the Scottish National Manufacturing Institute (NDRI) (PhD programme in advanced manufacturing industries), SCI Tech Daily noted.
Professor Des Gibson, Principal Investigator and Director of the Institute for Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging at UWS, said:
Although the robotics industry has grown and improved significantly over the years, its systems have been lacking sensory capabilities, making it difficult to perform certain tasks with ease.
In order to realize the full potential of the robot system, we wanted to give it more powerful tactile perception and a high-precision pressure sensor.
Through our partnership with Integrated Graphene Ltd, we have led to the development of advanced pressure sensor technology and have helped to retrofit robotic systems.
The sensor is made of 3D graphene foam and takes advantage of the material's piezoresistive properties to dynamically change its resistance when subjected to mechanical stress, easily detecting and adapting to the desired pressure range, from light to heavy.
The sensor uses the piezoresistive method. This means that when a material is subjected to pressure, it dynamically changes its resistance, easily detecting and adapting to the desired pressure range.
At the same time, this technology is also expected to enhance the experience of using prosthetics. Marco Caffio, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Integrated Graphene, said:
We created a new 3D graphene foam called GII, which mimics human haptic feedback and sensitivity.
A range of real-world applications, from surgery to precision manufacturing, are expected to have a transformative impact on the way robotics is used.
In addition, we are aware that this feature of GII makes it suitable for other forms of applications such as disease diagnostics and energy storage, and we are pleased to be able to demonstrate its technical flexibility in such projects."
Dr. Carlos Garcia Nunez, School of Computational Engineering & Physical Sciences at UWS, added:
The use of pressure sensors is a crucial element in robotics and wearable electronics, such as providing human-like motor skills for information input or robotic systems.
In addition, due to their excellent electrical, mechanical and chemical properties, advanced materials such as 3D graphene foam can also be used with great potential in such applications.
Our work shows how dynamic pressure sensors can revolutionize the robotics industry.
Finally, SRPE Interim Director Claire Ordoyno stated:
The SRPE - Industrial Doctor program combines groundbreaking academic research with industry partners and greatly advances engineering innovation.
It not only strengthens Scotland's engineering research sector, but also fosters a pipeline of PhD talent who are focused on innovation and well-prepared for the industry.
As a next step, the project, funded by UWS, Integrated Graphene Ltd, SRPE and **, will seek to further improve the sensitivity of the sensors and apply the technology to a wider range of areas.