Scientists and researchers are always endeavoring to unlock unique and smart avenues to incorporate technology in our daily lives, making our tasks easier and more convenient. One of these technologies is robots. Their applications are widespread and diverse. With time, they are being developed at an enhanced rate with their use being involved in everyday activities.
Robots have been developed now that can perform functions for humans. These functions can be as easy as picking up objects or performing actions that are otherwise dangerous or impossible for humans to complete. However, in all these applications, the control of the robots is in hands of humans. Either they are entirely controlled by humans or are semi-autonomous, requiring instructions for certain actions.
In this arena, new development is a breakthrough for robotics. Scientists have discovered a kind of foam that enables it to have some human-like functionalities. It can sense the objects near and can pick them up on its own. Moreover, if damaged, it can repair itself without any external aid.
The product is called Artificially innervated foam, or AiFoam and the research was carried out at the National University of Singapore. This can aid significantly in prosthetics or areas where robots are in close contact with humans while working together. This creates more convenience for humans as the machine is more intelligent and their stress is alleviated to a massive extent.
The team has spent two years making a prototype or a practical form of its innovative idea. It is estimated that within the next five years, the product will be available commercially and with entire functionalities. The mechanism of sensors works on the creation of an electrical field around and changes or interruption in this field leads the robot towards sensing changes in the atmosphere and acting in accordance. moreover, it will heal itself without any need. There is still work being done on the technology.