Ultrathin nanomesh sensor to measure sense of touch

The ultrathin nanomesh sensor has an unnoticeable effect on the users' sensitivity and ability to grip objects. Image: Someya-Yokota-Lee Group / The University of Tokyo World's first fingertip-mounted sensor that maintains user's sensitivity - Scientists from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Tokyo have developed an ultrathin pressure sensor that can be attached directly to the skin. It can measure how fingers interact with objects to produce valuable data for technological or medical applications. The sensor has an unnoticeable effect on the users' sensitivity and ability to grip objects, and it is highly resistant to disruption from rubbing. Our hands and fingers are our primary tools for direct interaction with materials, other human beings and our immediate environment. Finding out how the sense of touch actually works and having ways to record it would be a great benefit not only for research in the fields of medicine, sports or neuroengineering, but also for archiving skills. However, capturing this data is not easy.