What if we could utilize touch as a means of imaging the internal structures of both human bodies and electronic devices, instead of relying on methods such as X-rays or ultrasound? A team of researchers published a study in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science on February 15, wherein they present a bionic finger capable of generating 3D representations of intricate objects' internal shapes and textures by touching their outer surface.

The senior author of the study, Jianyi Luo, who is a professor at Wuyi University, explained that they took inspiration from the highly sensitive tactile perception of human fingers. When we touch our bodies, we can feel not only the texture of our skin but also the shape of the underlying bone, making our fingers the most sensitive tactile organ we know of.

Bionic Finger Capabilities

According to co-author Zhiming Chen, a lecturer at Wuyi University, the bionic finger they have created is more advanced than previous artificial sensors. It is capable of not only recognizing and distinguishing between external shapes, surface textures, and hardness, but it can also create 3D maps of complex objects' internal shapes and textures by touching their surface, as reported by TechXplore.

To create a scan of an object, the bionic finger operates by moving across the surface of the object while applying pressure. It repeatedly pokes or prods the object, with each poke causing the carbon fibers in the finger to compress. The amount of compression indicates the object's relative stiffness or softness. Depending on the object's material, it may also deform when poked by the bionic finger. Rigid objects will retain their shape, while soft objects will bend when enough pressure is applied. The recorded information, including the location and the amount of compression, is transmitted to a personal computer, where it is displayed as a 3D map.

The researchers put the bionic finger to the test by evaluating its ability to create 3D maps of the external and internal features of complex objects comprising various materials. For instance, they buried a rigid "letter A" underneath a layer of soft silicon and tested the bionic finger's performance. They also examined more abstractly shaped objects. The researchers also scanned a small compound object containing three different materials, including a rigid internal material, a soft internal material, and a soft outer coating.

As the finger repeatedly prods its material, it renders what it senses in a 3D computer image
(Photo : Li et al)
As the finger repeatedly prods its material, it renders what it senses in a 3D computer image


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Next Goal to Touch

As NewAtlas reported, the bionic finger was successful in discriminating not only between the soft outer coating and the internal hard ridges, but it could also differentiate between the soft outer coating and the soft material filling the internal grooves. The researchers then put the finger's capability of sensing and imaging simulated human tissue through its paces. They used 3D printing to create this tissue, which had a skeletal component made of three layers of hard polymer and a layer of soft silicone called "muscle."

The bionic finger was able to locate a simulated blood vessel beneath the muscle layer and reproduce a three-dimensional profile of the structure of the tissue. The ability of the bionic finger to diagnose issues in electronic devices without opening them was also investigated by the team. The researchers were able to create a map of a defective electronic device's internal electrical components without having to break through the encapsulating layer by scanning the device's surface with the bionic finger.

They also found the location where the circuit was disconnected and a hole that was misdrilled. According to Luo, tactile technology flares up in a non-optical way for the non-destructive testing of the human body as well as adaptable electronics. The capability of the bionic finger to catch in all directions utilizing a variety of surface materials is the next objective.

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