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Robots can now “see” touch thanks to a new color-changing tactile sensor

A new color-changing tactile sensor, developed by Queen Mary University of London, allows robots to map contact, strain, and pressure in high resolution. This technology has the potential to improve robotic grippers for precision manufacturing and prosthetic limbs for better sensing capabilities.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 3, 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
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Tactile sensor transforms tool wear detection in machining

A novel monitoring system has been developed to detect tool wear in machining, delivering 98% accuracy and real-time insights. This innovation uses a flexible tactile sensor to capture detailed images of the cutting edge, enabling manufacturers to schedule replacement at the optimal time.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalWear·DateMay 6, 2026

Eye-inspired artificial skin lets robots feel before they touch

The new dynamic shielding layer allows the sensor to focus on specific areas when needed, achieving a 104.56% increase in detection depth. The sensor can also detect approaching objects from over 90mm away, providing a vital split-second for robots to avoid collisions.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 5, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

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

Encapsulation-free thin-film sensors enable accurate sensing at 950 ℃

Researchers developed a novel fabrication method for thin-film temperature sensors that operate across an exceptionally wide temperature range, from –50 °C to 950 °C. The technique eliminates the need for complex protective layers, making it faster and cheaper to produce sensors.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 18, 2025

Single-material electronic skin gives robots the human touch

Scientists created a low-cost, durable, highly-sensitive robotic 'skin' that can detect various types of touch and pressure. The technology senses multiple physical inputs simultaneously, allowing robots to interact with their environment in a more human-like way.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 11, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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

Sensitive ceramics for soft robotics

Researchers have developed sensitive ceramic sensors that can selectively respond to pressure or temperature, which are integrated into a prosthetic hand and a robotic skin. The goal is to enable safe collaboration between humans and machines, with applications in medicine and industry.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

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
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers develop low-cost sensor to enhance robots' sense of touch

A new sensor developed by Queen Mary University of London enhances robots' sense of touch, allowing them to accurately measure interaction forces and geometry. This breakthrough could pave the way for more advanced and reliable robotics in the future, enabling better handling and manipulation of objects.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateJul 27, 2023

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

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 helping hand for robotic manipulator design

MIT researchers develop an interactive design pipeline enabling users to create customized robotic hands with tactile sensors. The platform streamlines the process, allowing users to adjust palm and fingers and integrate tactile sensors, resulting in complex tasks like picking delicate items or using tools being performed flawlessly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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

Grip or slip; robots need a human sense of touch

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that humans can instantly estimate slipperiness of a surface by detecting radial strain in the fingertip skin during initial contact. This innovation has significant implications for robotics and prosthetics design.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2021

Artificial sensor mimics human sense of touch

Researchers developed an artificial tactile sensor that detects surface information like shapes, patterns, and structures with high accuracy. The sensor uses piezoelectric materials to mimic the properties of human skin, offering advantages over existing sensors, including detection through touch and sliding.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics·DateNov 7, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2018