Finger-shaped sensor enables more dexterous robots

MIT researchers have developed a camera-based touch sensor that is long, curved, and shaped like a human finger. Their device, which provides high-resolution tactile sensing over a large area, could enable a robotic hand to perform multiple types of grasps. Imagine grasping a heavy object, like a pipe wrench, with one hand. You would likely grab the wrench using your entire fingers, not just your fingertips. Sensory receptors in your skin, which run along the entire length of each finger, would send information to your brain about the tool you are grasping.