Various researchers are trying to develop skin for robot that is soft; sensitive that feels pain and pressure. Now DARPA researchers are making sure that human beings will also have sensitive artificial skin. Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes can make the surface of prosthetic devices feel like the layer you were born with.

A nanotube is delicately balanced on top of gold filaments, and corded through a rubbery polymer. The polymer skin will transfer heat from the surface to the sensor network below as quickly as your skin communicates this information. The nanotubes enhance the piezoelectric effect inherent in the polymer. The sensors can then generate a signal to the brain.

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