IIT Mandi Develops Artificial Skin That Feels Real: A Breakthrough for Medical Robotics
Students and researchers of IIT Mandi working on the model
Mandi, March 30 – In a groundbreaking development, researchers and students at IIT Mandi have unveiled a remarkable innovation in the field of medical robotics: an artificial skin that mimics the feel of real human skin. This new technology, applied to a multipurpose robotic hand, is set to revolutionize both healthcare and robotics by enabling artificial limbs and organs to provide tactile feedback, something that has long been absent in artificial replacements.
This breakthrough is not just about making robotic limbs look more natural but about making them function in a way that closely resembles human sensation. Until now, prosthetic hands and robotic arms have lacked the ability to “feel” the objects they interact with. Whether holding something hot or cold, a user would not experience any sensory feedback. However, with this newly developed artificial skin, robotic hands can now sense and transmit tactile information, such as temperature and texture, to the brain.
Associate Professor Srikant, who heads the team behind this innovation at IIT Mandi’s School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, explained the significance of their work. “Robotic hands have traditionally been unable to feel or recognize objects, as they do not have sensory feedback systems like human skin. Our artificial skin changes that by providing the ability to sense and transmit touch. This will make prosthetic devices far more functional and lifelike.”
The team’s work focuses on integrating artificial skin into robotic limbs using a combination of PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) substrate and hydrogel, materials known for their flexibility and ability to simulate the sensation of human skin. The artificial skin developed by IIT Mandi’s researchers can provide a sensory experience for users, giving them the ability to feel objects they are holding—such as identifying whether an object is hot or cold or determining the texture of an item.
The project, which has been in development for the last two years, is still in its early stages. The team of twelve researchers is working diligently to refine the model and enhance its capabilities. Currently, the artificial skin can function effectively for 4-5 years under normal conditions. However, the team is also exploring how to adapt the skin for use in extreme environments, such as those found in high-temperature or low-humidity settings. This aspect of the project is expected to be completed within a year.
Srikant also shared the exciting potential for their robotic hand to assist medical professionals. “Our robotic model could soon become an indispensable tool in hospitals, serving as an assistant for doctors and nurses. By integrating this model into healthcare settings, we can ease the workload of medical professionals, enabling them to perform procedures more efficiently and with greater precision,” he said.
For example, the robotic hand equipped with artificial skin could help nurses with patient care tasks, such as taking vitals or adjusting medical equipment, without the risk of contamination or injury. Its ability to feel objects would allow it to handle delicate instruments or perform repetitive tasks, all while offering valuable tactile feedback.
The research team’s work could also lead to new possibilities for individuals who rely on prosthetics. Prosthetic users, who currently lack the ability to feel what they touch, may soon experience a more intuitive connection with their artificial limbs, making everyday tasks easier and more natural. The integration of artificial skin could drastically improve the quality of life for those who use prosthetics, providing them with sensations that are typically absent in traditional devices.
As this technology continues to develop, it holds great promise not only for healthcare but for numerous other fields, including robotics, rehabilitation, and even virtual reality. With further refinement, IIT Mandi’s artificial skin could pave the way for a future where robotic limbs feel almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
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