News in Brief Materials Science

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

By Gabriel Popkin

- More than 2 years ago

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.