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Bio-inspired whiskers enable tiny drones to navigate in darkness using touch

Researchers at Delft University of Technology developed a lightweight whisker-based tactile sensor that enables tiny drones to navigate and explore their surroundings through gentle touch. The system uses artificial whiskers inspired by rodent vibrissae to provide continuous feedback about the environment during contact.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

Biobased spintronics

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed biobased spintronics using iron, cellulose, and starch to create sustainable magnetic field sensors. These sensors achieve levels of sensitivity comparable to commercial solutions and can be safely degraded or recycled.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2026

SEOULTECH researchers develop revolutionary 3D-printed smart materials create high-performance pressure sensors for wearables

The Seoul National University of Science and Technology has developed a novel 3D AMM-based tactile sensing platform that offers high-performance pressure sensing. The technology leverages auxetic metamaterials to enhance sensitivity, stability, and scalability.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2025

Chung-Ang University researchers develop self-powered tactile sensors for robotics and wearables

Chung-Ang University researchers have developed self-powered tactile sensors for robotics and wearables by introducing novel manufacturing strategies for piezoelectric and triboelectric sensors. These advancements aim to create high-performance sensors capable of multi-modal sensing and real-time interaction.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 2, 2025

A new approach to fine motor skills assessment: EIT-based tactile sensor breakthrough

A groundbreaking system utilizing a flexible tactile sensor based on electrical impedance tomography (EIT) offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility and sensitivity compared to conventional methods. The system achieved high classification accuracies, with reconstructed images and measured voltage vectors.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

It’s all in the wrist: Energy-efficient robot hand learns how not to drop the ball

Researchers at the University of Cambridge designed a soft robotic hand that can grasp a range of objects using passive movement and tactile sensors. The hand successfully grasped 11 of 14 objects in tests, including a peach, computer mouse, and roll of bubble wrap, demonstrating its ability to predict when it might drop an object.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateApr 11, 2023

Researchers demonstrate new sensors by creating novel health monitoring, machine interface devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor that can detect minor changes in strain with great range of motion. The sensor's innovative design features a patterned cut network that enables it to withstand significant deformation without sacrificing sensitivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

CityU researchers develop wireless, ultrathin 'Skin VR' to provide a vivid, 'personalized' touch experience in the virtual world

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed an advanced wireless haptic interface system called WeTac. The system provides a vivid touch experience with personalized tactile sensation data and overcomes the shortcomings of existing bulky gloves.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Research co-led by CityU develops a high-resolution, wearable electrotactile rendering device that virtualizes the sense of touch

A team co-led by CityU developed a wearable electrotactile rendering system that can mimic the sensation of touch with high spatial resolution and a rapid response rate. The device has various application potential, including enhancing VR/AR experiences and facilitating work in thick gloves.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

3D printing can now manufacture customized sensors for robots, pacemakers, and more

A new 3D printing technique allows for the mass production of customized electronic machines, enabling advanced applications in robotics, medical devices, and others. This breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing by providing a cost-effective solution for producing sensors in smaller volumes.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

A soft, stretchable thermometer

Researchers developed a soft, stretchable, self-powered thermometer that can be integrated into stretchable electronics and soft robots, enabling new human-machine interfaces and applications. The sensor has high sensitivity and quick response time, and can measure temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius or as cold as -100 degrees Celsius.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Robo-picker grasps and packs

A new robotic system developed by MIT engineers can grasp and pack items with high accuracy, making it suitable for various applications such as warehouse sorting and kitchen tasks. The system uses an object-agnostic grasping algorithm to assess a bin of random objects and determine the best way to grip or suction onto an item.