Artificial Somatosensors: Feedback Receptors for Electronic Skins

• Published in: Advanced intelligent systems 2020-11, Vol.2 (11), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Rahman, Md. Ataur, Walia, Sumeet, Naznee, Sumaiya, Taha, Mohammad, Nirantar, Shruti, Rahman, Fahmida, Bhaskaran, Madhu, Sriram, Sharath
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Central nervous system; Data processing; Decision making; electronic skin; Electronic systems; Feedback; Hyperalgesia; Military applications; Nervous system; nociceptors; Pacinian corpuscles; Pressure sensors; Receptors; Robotics; Sensors; Skin; somatosensors; Spinal cord; Stimuli; Tactile sensors (robotics); Temperature; Thermoreceptors; Thin films
• ISSN: 2640-4567; 2640-4567
• DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202000094

The human skin is the largest sensory organ, made up of complex sensors that detect noxious stimuli to rapidly send warning signals to the central nervous system to initiate a motor response. It is complex to mimic key skin features using existing tactile sensors, and there exists no somatosensor that responds to real stimuli of pressure, temperature, and touch. Herein, three critical skin receptors created by realizing integrated electronic systems that mimic the feedback response of somatosensors are experimentally demonstrated. Fully functional Pacinian corpuscles, thermoreceptors, and nociceptors are realized using a combination of stretchable pressure sensors, phase‐change oxide thin films, and threshold‐based resistive switching (memristor) memory elements. The ability to detect and respond to pressure, temperature, and pain stimuli above a threshold with real‐life performance characteristics is demonstrated with explanation of underlying mechanisms. The ability to design and realize artificial skin receptors enables replacement of affected human skin regions, augment skin sensitivity for agile applications in defense and sports, and drive advancements in intelligent robotics. Human skin consists of complex sensors that can detect noxious stimuli to rapidly alert the central nervous system. Herein, the Pacinian corpuscle, thermoreceptor, and nociceptor of the somatosensory system of skin are experimentally demonstrated, exploiting a combination of pressure sensors, phase‐change oxide, and memristors. The threshold‐based detection of artificial somatosensors is described with the underlying mechanism.