Robot Fingertips Create A New Standard For What Products Feel Like

A sensor designed to give prosthetic hands a sense of touch may find another application, in the world of product design and testing.

SynTouch’s Biotac sensor detects temperature, pressure and vibration, just like the human fingertip. It even has artificial fingerprints to increase its sensitivity. In one study, the sensors were better than blindfolded humans at feeling the difference between various materials. That could make them ideal for helping companies design products with a precisely determined texture. Wired explains:

Biotac sensors could provide a way for designers and manufacturers to quantify and standardize texture. The “SynTouch Standard” uses 15 factors to evaluate a material, including smoothness, friction, and thermal properties, Wired notes. Head over to their article to read more.