We will develop soft sensors composed of soft materials for force, tactile, and proximity sensing. Sensors are composed of soft materials such as conductive cloth, conductive yarn, and elastomer. We will conduct research on sensor materials and structures as well as sensing algorithms.
Force, tactile, and proximity sensation are important for robots to work in contact with the environment. By introducing a soft material into the contact area so that the material acts as a soft interface between the robot and the environment, the robot can perform contacting work by absorbing the uncertainty of the environment. Since such robots require soft sensors, we will conduct research on soft sensors that can be embedded in the soft interface.
