Researchers at the Reconfigurable Robotics Lab (RRL) in EPFL's School of Engineering have made a significant advancement in the field of robotics by developing a sensor named ChromoSense. This sensor is designed to emulate human skin's ability to perceive multiple stimuli simultaneously. ChromoSense uses color to detect various physical changes such as bending, stretching, compression, and temperature. The technology incorporates a translucent rubber cylinder containing sections dyed red, green, and blue. An LED sends light through the core, and changes in the light's path through the colored sections as the sensor is deformed are detected by a spectral meter. This simple yet robust system can sense multiple stimuli concurrently, similar to human skin. Additionally, ChromoSense can detect temperature changes using a special thermosensitive dye, which alters its saturation when heated. This breakthrough presents significant potential for the development of more autonomous soft robots and wearable technologies. The simplicity of ChromoSense's mechanical structure and its use of color over cameras also make it a viable candidate for mass production, suggesting applications in assistive technologies, athletic gear, and smart clothing.
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