OptoSkin

OptoSkin is a platform based on transparent light guides with embedded time-of-flight (ToF) sensors. Surface contact is detected via frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR): when a finger or tool touches the surface, internally guided light is scattered and captured by the ToF sensor. The system is inherently multi-touch, and the number of simultaneous contact points it can resolve is limited by sensor configuration, optics and reconstruction settings, rather than by the sensing principle itself.

OptoSkin has been designed with two variations, depending on the material of the light guide. Rigid materials, such as polymers, are used in HardSkin, so that the sensor is rigid and transparent and works, for a variation of surface geometries, as a tactile sensor.

OptoSkin is a breakthrough direct Time-of-Flight (ToF) optical tactile sensing technology designed for large-area, electrode-free touch and pressure detection. This video presents the concept, challenges, prototypes, and advantages of this new tactile sensing platform, developed by ISSP UL, ISL, UL, and UZ.

SoftSkin is based on a soft flexible sensor surface made of silicone rubber, that integrates the ToF. While it is not rigid, its deformable nature enables not only contact localization but also contact force estimation.

SoftSkin demo.

SoftSkin explanation.