RoboticsA gentler touchStory 04
A robot senses contact without an extra sensor
What changedResearchers taught a robot to estimate when it is touching something by reading the effort in its joints. They showed it wiping a surface and opening a heavy door. It did this without the extra force sensors often used for delicate contact.
The useful part
Why it matters
Existing robots might gain a better sense of touch without needing costly new parts.
Keep in mind
Good to know
Public code and successful tests on other robot designs have not yet been confirmed.
Evidence