Artificial skin lets robot hold pencil lead and dodge a needle

Researchers covered robotic fingers with a new artificial skin that lets the hand grasp fragile pencil lead and pull away from a needle before it punctures the covering. Both actions require fast interpretation of sensor signals, not just sensitive sensors.

• The skin lets the robot grasp fragile pencil lead without damage
• The finger withdraws from a needle before it pierces the covering
• Fast processing of sensor signals is essential to the response