UCL unveils touch-mimicking device at British Science Festival

Researchers at University College London (UCL) have developed a groundbreaking device called BAMH, which mimics the sense of touch through vibrations. This innovative technology was showcased at the British Science Festival, highlighting its potential to enhance virtual social interactions by allowing individuals to experience touch from afar. The device is particularly significant for those with diminished sensitivity in their fingertips, as it aims to provide insights into conditions like metacarpal tunnel syndrome and diabetes. Dr. Sara Abad, a roboticist at UCL, emphasized the importance of touch in social bonding, especially during times of global separation. The BAMH device features a silicone fingertip connected to a suitcase-sized machine, stimulating key sensory nerve cells to create a realistic touch experience. The research team plans to conduct clinical trials with individuals experiencing loss of sensation to better understand how touch perception deteriorates over time. In addition to its applications in healthcare, the technology could revolutionize robot-assisted surgeries by enabling surgeons to assess tissue types more effectively. The potential for advanced versions of the device, such as gloves providing full hand sensation, could also be instrumental in hazardous environments, like nuclear waste decommissioning, where precise touch is crucial. The UCL team aims to gather data on touch sensitivity degradation, which could inform clinicians in adapting therapies to slow down the loss of touch perception. This research not only addresses significant healthcare challenges but also opens new avenues for enhancing human-robot interactions in various fields.