Researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland have developed fibres that can work as nerves in robotic nervous systems. The Swiss team teamed up with scientists in the Robotics and Biology Laboratory at the Technical University of Berlin to explore applications in robotics. The new fibres, which are made of a polymer called polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS, and carbon nanotubes, could be used to create artificial nerve tissue for use by humans with spinal cord injuries. In partnership with the Technical University of Berlin’s Robots and Biology Laboratory the researchers have piloted the fibres in a robotic finger with a soft skin. Future uses could include smart textiles and medical implants.
Researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland have developed fibres that can work as nerves in robotic nervous systems. The new fibres, which are made of a polymer called polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS, and carbon nanotubes, could be used to create artificial nerve tissue for use by humans with spinal cord injuries. In partnership with the Technical University of Berlin’s Robots and Biology Laboratory the researchers have piloted the fibres in a robotic finger with a soft skin. Future uses could include smart textiles and medical implants.