Nanotube whiskers could aid robot-human interaction

Pressure sensors are more sensitive than record holder

ANIMAL INSPIRATION  Cat whiskers provide inspiration for an ultrasensitive pressure sensor based on nanotechnology.

Julia Shepeleva/Shutterstock

Hairlike sensors made of tiny carbon tubes and silver particles are far more sensitive than previous electronic designs for pressure detectors. The new devices mimic whiskers that cats and other animals use to sense their surroundings, and could aid human-machine interaction by helping robots sense human touch.

Scientists have previously made electronic whiskers, but they are either bulky, cannot detect ultralight touches or cannot flex repeatedly without breaking.