Robots like Sophia, the social humanoid, and AI chatbot assistants have captivated the world by simulating human emotions during interactions. While these robots are programmed to respond with emotional intelligence, a critical question arises: can they ever truly experience senses, such as touch, like humans?
Sophia’s ability to engage in conversations with emotional depth exemplifies advancements in AI, but emotions in robots are ultimately simulations based on programming. True sensory experiences, especially the nuanced human sense of touch, remain a frontier that robotic innovations continue to explore.
Automation in the Supply Chain
Automation has transformed industries, with robots playing a pivotal role in improving productivity. In the supply chain, industrial robots are often deployed to perform tasks requiring speed, accuracy, and repeatability—often surpassing human capabilities. These robots handle tasks that are dull, dirty, or dangerous, allowing human workers to focus on more complex, cognitive jobs.
However, some areas, such as warehouse operations, still rely on human dexterity. Tasks like handling fragile or irregular items require a sensitivity and adaptability that traditional robots have struggled to replicate.
The Rise of Collaborative Robots
The last decade has seen a surge in collaborative robots, or cobots, designed to work alongside humans in industrial settings. Cobots are smaller and more precise than traditional industrial robots, allowing for safer and more flexible operations.
Despite these advances, certain tasks, such as handling fragile goods like groceries or glass, remain challenging for robots. For example, an egg requires a delicate touch, unlike a sealed package of food. While cobots are an improvement, they still lack the tactile sensitivity to ensure safe handling of such items without specialized programming and tools.
Breakthroughs in Robotic Touch
Recent advancements have brought robots closer to mimicking human touch. One breakthrough is Hank, a robot developed by Cambridge Consultants that emulates human tactile sensitivity. Using sensors and soft grippers controlled by airflow, Hank can “feel” objects and adjust its grip accordingly. Each of Hank’s fingers is individually controlled, allowing it to handle small, irregular, and delicate items without requiring reprogramming.
Another innovation is the electronic skin developed by Wootzano. This advanced skin integrates piezoelectric and piezoresistive sensors, as well as embedded temperature sensors. The skin allows robots to measure force, temperature, pressure, and humidity, providing feedback that enables them to handle objects more like humans.
Enhancing Dexterity on Automated Lines
These advancements, such as Hank and Wootzano’s skin, are paving the way for robots to perform tasks that require a human touch. Delicate pick-and-place applications in industries like e-commerce, food handling, and pharmaceuticals are seeing improvements in efficiency and precision thanks to these developments.
By mimicking human-like dexterity, these technologies enable robots to handle fragile items without compromising productivity. For instance, a robot equipped with Wootzano’s skin can adjust its grip based on real-time feedback, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive items.
Conclusion
While robots may never experience emotions or touch in the way humans do, advancements in robotic technology are bridging the gap between simulation and functionality. Innovations like Hank’s tactile sensitivity and Wootzano’s electronic skin are enabling robots to handle tasks requiring dexterity and care, previously reserved for human hands.
These developments mark a significant step forward for industries striving to enhance efficiency and meet rising consumer demands without sacrificing quality. As robots become more adept at handling delicate tasks, they are not only improving productivity but also transforming the future of automation.
