Rubber 'finger' may help scientists understand more about sense of touch

Leeds, UK - Scientists at the University of Leeds, in the UK are researching the sense of touch. To better understand the response, they need to develop an artificial finger, packed full of sensors. The finger is made from silicone rubber and contains sensors for lateral force; vertical force, temperature and other parameters.

The research is being led by Dr Cathy Barnes, supported by Professor Tom Childs of the department of Mechanical Engineering.

The researchers have been awarded about €500 000 to carry out the research, which wil include a wide ranging anaylysis of the sensory response to many different surfaces from cat fur to steel plate.

The research proposal says, "The work we describe has applications in many areas; appealing textures can enhance packaging, be it toiletries or foodstuffs, and increase the likelihood of purchase. This same idea can be extended to other products that involve tactile interactions between customer and product. One could imagine car door handles, kettles, mobile phones and stereos benefiting from well-designed textured surfaces.

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Research proposal from Dr Barnes

Rubber finger probes sense of touch New Scientist (UK)