Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation

Abstract In this paper, we introduce an innovative approach for generating robotic faces with a thermal signature similar to that of humans and equipping prosthetic or robotic hands with a lifelike temperature distribution. This approach enhances their detection via infrared cameras and promotes mor...

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Main Authors: Sang-Mi Jeong, Jonguk Yang, Youngsoo Kang, Hee Sung Seo, Keumyoung Seo, Taekyung Lim, Sanghyun Ju
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-07-01
Series:NPG Asia Materials
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41427-024-00558-4
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author Sang-Mi Jeong
Jonguk Yang
Youngsoo Kang
Hee Sung Seo
Keumyoung Seo
Taekyung Lim
Sanghyun Ju
author_facet Sang-Mi Jeong
Jonguk Yang
Youngsoo Kang
Hee Sung Seo
Keumyoung Seo
Taekyung Lim
Sanghyun Ju
author_sort Sang-Mi Jeong
collection DOAJ
description Abstract In this paper, we introduce an innovative approach for generating robotic faces with a thermal signature similar to that of humans and equipping prosthetic or robotic hands with a lifelike temperature distribution. This approach enhances their detection via infrared cameras and promotes more natural interactions between humans and robots. This method integrates a temperature regulation system into artificial skin, drawing inspiration from the human body’s natural temperature control via blood flow. Central to this technique is a fiber network simulating blood vessels within the artificial skin. Water flows through these fibers under specific temperature and flow conditions, forming a controlled heat release system. The heat emission can be adjusted by changing the dilation of these fibers, primarily by modulating the frequency of circulation. Our findings indicate that this approach can replicate the varied thermal characteristics of different human faces and hand areas. Consequently, the robotic faces appear more human-like in infrared images, aiding their identification by infrared cameras. At the same time, the prosthetic hands achieve a more natural temperature, reducing the discomfort typically felt in direct contact with synthetic limbs. The aim of this study was to address the challenges faced by the users of prosthetic hands. The results from this study show a promising direction in humanoid robotics, fostering improved tactile interactions and redefining human–robot relationships. This innovative technique facilitates further advancements, blurring the lines between artificial aids and natural biological systems.
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issn 1884-4057
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spelling doaj-art-bd9718fc1b6a4dddba9a47165a7163bb2025-01-19T12:28:51ZengNature PortfolioNPG Asia Materials1884-40572024-07-0116111210.1038/s41427-024-00558-4Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulationSang-Mi Jeong0Jonguk Yang1Youngsoo Kang2Hee Sung Seo3Keumyoung Seo4Taekyung Lim5Sanghyun Ju6Major in Nano·Semiconductor, School of Electronic Engineering, Kyonggi UniversityMajor in Nano·Semiconductor, School of Electronic Engineering, Kyonggi UniversityMajor in Nano·Semiconductor, School of Electronic Engineering, Kyonggi UniversityMajor in Nano·Semiconductor, School of Electronic Engineering, Kyonggi UniversityMajor in Nano·Semiconductor, School of Electronic Engineering, Kyonggi UniversityMajor in Nano·Semiconductor, School of Electronic Engineering, Kyonggi UniversityMajor in Nano·Semiconductor, School of Electronic Engineering, Kyonggi UniversityAbstract In this paper, we introduce an innovative approach for generating robotic faces with a thermal signature similar to that of humans and equipping prosthetic or robotic hands with a lifelike temperature distribution. This approach enhances their detection via infrared cameras and promotes more natural interactions between humans and robots. This method integrates a temperature regulation system into artificial skin, drawing inspiration from the human body’s natural temperature control via blood flow. Central to this technique is a fiber network simulating blood vessels within the artificial skin. Water flows through these fibers under specific temperature and flow conditions, forming a controlled heat release system. The heat emission can be adjusted by changing the dilation of these fibers, primarily by modulating the frequency of circulation. Our findings indicate that this approach can replicate the varied thermal characteristics of different human faces and hand areas. Consequently, the robotic faces appear more human-like in infrared images, aiding their identification by infrared cameras. At the same time, the prosthetic hands achieve a more natural temperature, reducing the discomfort typically felt in direct contact with synthetic limbs. The aim of this study was to address the challenges faced by the users of prosthetic hands. The results from this study show a promising direction in humanoid robotics, fostering improved tactile interactions and redefining human–robot relationships. This innovative technique facilitates further advancements, blurring the lines between artificial aids and natural biological systems.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41427-024-00558-4
spellingShingle Sang-Mi Jeong
Jonguk Yang
Youngsoo Kang
Hee Sung Seo
Keumyoung Seo
Taekyung Lim
Sanghyun Ju
Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation
NPG Asia Materials
title Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation
title_full Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation
title_fullStr Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation
title_full_unstemmed Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation
title_short Thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation
title_sort thermoregulatory integration in hand prostheses and humanoid robots through blood vessel simulation
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41427-024-00558-4
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