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Robots learn to feel what vision misses

Researchers have developed a complementary perception strategy combining visual localization with tactile mapping for robots to locate and read object surface features. The system uses a single RGB-Depth camera and soft pressure sensor array to identify object position, size, and geometry through vision and tactile scanning, respectively.

Wristband enables wearers to control a robotic hand with their own movements

Researchers at MIT have developed an ultrasound wristband that precisely tracks hand movements, allowing users to control a robotic hand or manipulate virtual objects. The device produces high-quality images of the wrist's muscles and tendons, which are then translated into specific hand positions, enabling precise movement control.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 25, 2026

Do children imitate communication manners of machines? Experiment on children's response to polite vs. commanding robot

In a study by SWPS University, researchers found that children interact with polite robots almost always respond politely. Younger children and girls are more likely to anthropomorphise the robot, suggesting social cues in interactions between children and robots are crucial for positive learning outcomes.

SourceSWPS University·JournalComputers & Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2025

Are we ready for robot caregivers? The answer is a cautious “yes, if...”

A survey of 4,890 participants found that people are open to using home-care robots as long as they view them beneficially. Collaboration between users and developers is crucial for adoption, with emphasis on ethical considerations. Robots may play a significant role in addressing Japan's aging population and social healthcare challenges.

SourceChiba University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateNov 5, 2025

The robot will see you now

New humanoid surgical robots offer a solution to the growing healthcare labor shortage, allowing for more efficient surgeries and reduced burnout among doctors. By taking on routine tasks, these robots can free up surgeons to focus on more complex procedures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 9, 2025

How to make robots more lifelike

Researchers created a measurement scale to assess robot human likeness, revealing four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. To seem lifelike, robots must exhibit these traits, with self-understanding being the most challenging aspect to simulate.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Service Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2024

Robots face the future

The team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi, created a layer of skin that can bind to complex forms of humanoid robots, granting them increased mobility and self-healing abilities. The research has potential applications in the cosmetics industry, medical research, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Robots' sense of touch could be as fast as humans

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed an artificial tactile system that can detect pressure by touch in a similar way to the human nervous system. The technology has the potential to restore lost functionality to patients after a stroke, as well as enhance interactions between humans and robots.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Shuffling robot uses biological muscle to move and spin

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a two-legged biohybrid robot capable of walking and pivoting underwater. The robot uses lab-grown skeletal muscle tissue to move its legs, achieving efficient and silent movements. Future iterations aim to develop thicker muscles with nutrient supplies to enable robots to walk on land.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

UBC engineers develop breakthrough ‘robot skin’ in collaboration with Honda researchers

A new soft sensor developed by UBC and Honda researchers enables touch sensitivity and dexterity in robots, allowing them to pick up fragile objects like an egg or a glass of water. The sensor uses weak electric fields to sense objects, even at a distance, making it suitable for adoption in robots that interact with people.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Preschoolers prefer to learn from a competent robot than an incompetent human, Concordia study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Cognition and Development found that preschoolers aged three and five prefer learning from a competent robot over an incompetent human. The research, conducted by Concordia University researchers, used humanoid robots to teach children about unfamiliar objects. Five-year-olds were more likely to ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

Human-like features in robot behavior: Response time variability can be perceived as human-like

A study published in Science Robotics journal reveals that humans are unable to distinguish between a humanoid robot's response time variability and that of a human when interacting with the robot. This finding suggests robots can exhibit human-like behavior, raising questions about the blurring line between humans and machines.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022

Scientists craft living human skin for robots

Researchers have developed a method to create living human skin on robots, providing a realistic texture and self-healing properties. The skin is made up of collagen and human dermal fibroblasts, which conform to the robot's surface and can even repair wounds with the help of a collagen bandage.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Electronic skin anticipates and perceives touch from different directions for the first time

Researchers from Chemnitz University of Technology and Leibniz IFW Dresden create a new approach for miniaturizing soft sensor units with integrated artificial hairs. They successfully integrate the 3D magnetic field sensors with magnetically rooted fine hairs into an artificial e-skin, enabling precise spatial arrangement and mass pro...

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Introducing Nikola, the emotional android kid

Researchers from RIKEN created Nikola, an android child that can convey six basic emotions through facial expressions. The study tested the quality of these expressions and found that humans can recognize them with varying accuracy.

SourceRIKEN·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 15, 2022

Faster path planning for rubble-roving robots

Researchers at University of Michigan develop faster path planning approach for rubble-roving robots, enabling them to find stable paths in treacherous terrain more efficiently. The new algorithm outperformed traditional methods in success and total time to plan, with an 84% success rate in virtual experiments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAutonomous Robots·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

A touch from a conversing robot is linked to positive emotional state

A study published in PLOS ONE found that participants who were touched by a humanoid robot during conversation reported a better emotional state. Those who received non-functional touch from the robot were more likely to comply with requests and exhibit positive behavioral responses, suggesting potential for robots to boost motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2021

A study predicts smooth interaction between humans and robots

A study by Tampere University found that making eye contact with a humanoid robot evokes strong physiological reactions, including arousal and positive emotional responses. The results suggest that interaction between humans and social robots may be surprisingly seamless, as people treat robots instinctively as if they could see them.

SourceTampere University·JournalBiological Psychology·DateDec 7, 2020

Researchers use machine learning to teach robots how to trek through unknown terrains

A team of Australian researchers has designed a reliable strategy for testing physical abilities of humanoid robots using machine learning methods and algorithms. The findings have promising implications in the broad use of humanoid robots in fields such as healthcare, education, disaster response, and entertainment.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 23, 2019

Humans can empathize with robots

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology found that humans can empathize with humanoid robots in perceived pain. However, the beginning of the top-down process of empathy is weaker for robots than for humans. This study contributes to the development of human-friendly robots whom we feel sympathy for and comfortable with.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 2015