Researchers at Washington State University in the United States have engineered an innovative electronic skin sensing system that boasts a tenfold increase in precision for pressure and temperature sensing when compared to currently available commercial glove sensors. Leveraging 3D printing and laser cutting technologies, this system can be tailored to fit the curved contours of prosthetic limbs seamlessly. Its modular design enables extensive, high-density sensing coverage. The team created sensor modules using a scanning-modeling-printing workflow, effectively tackling the challenges of high costs, inadequate fit, and data delays that plague conventional electronic skins.

Experimental results indicate that the system can precisely distinguish variations in object surface textures and materials, aiding amputees in executing delicate tasks, such as gently grasping an egg. The pertinent research findings have been published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science. Nevertheless, the full transmission of tactile signals to the brain necessitates corresponding neural stimulation actuators, and the system remains at the laboratory research stage.