Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
11:54
Real-Time Proxy-Control of Re-Parameterized Peripheral Signals using a Close-Loop Interface
Published on: May 8, 2021
A closed-loop neurobotic system for fine touch sensing.
L L Bologna1, J Pinoteau, J-B Passot
1Adaptive Neuro Computation Group, Unit of Neurobiology of Adaptive Processes, UMR 7102, CNRS-University Pierre and Marie Curie P6, F-75005 Paris, France.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|July 26, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a neuroengineering framework for robotic fine touch sensing. The system mimics human tactile processing for accurate Braille reading and adaptive motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroengineering
- Robotics
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Fine touch sensing involves complex neural processing and active exploration.
- Robotic systems require advanced tactile feedback for sophisticated manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel neuroengineering framework for robotic fine touch discrimination.
- To model the multistage processing of tactile information in a closed action-perception loop.
Main Methods:
- Developed a system integrating neural coding, probabilistic decoding, and adaptive motor control.
- Modeled spatiotemporal spiking patterns and cortical-like tactile recognition.
- Probed the system using a Braille reading task.
Main Results:
- Peripheral encoding aligned with human mechanoreceptor data.
- Demonstrated robust discrimination of Braille inputs via probabilistic decoding.
- Showcased adaptive control with fingertip kinematics similar to human readers.
Conclusions:
- The framework provides a basis for modular neuromimetic systems.
- Enables enhanced fine touch discrimination in robotic applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Somatosensation
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
01:31What is a Sensory System?
Sensory systems detect stimuli—such as light and sound waves—and transduce them into neural signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. In addition to external stimuli detected by the senses, some sensory systems detect internal stimuli—such as the proprioceptors in muscles and tendons that send feedback about limb position.
01:11Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System
The somatosensory system is the central and peripheral nervous system component that senses and processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and body position or proprioception. The process of sensation takes place at three levels:
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
01:16Sensory Functions of the Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
01:29Overview of Somatic Sensory Pathways
Somatic sensory or somatosensory pathways refer to the neural pathways that carry information related to touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and proprioception from the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints to the brain. These pathways involve several stages of processing and integration of sensory information.
The somatosensory system is divided into three main pathways: the dorsal (or posterior) column-medial lemniscus, spinothalamic (or anterolateral), and spinocerebellar pathways.
The dorsal...
The somatosensory system is divided into three main pathways: the dorsal (or posterior) column-medial lemniscus, spinothalamic (or anterolateral), and spinocerebellar pathways.
The dorsal...
01:17Open and closed-loop control systems
Control systems are foundational elements in automation and engineering. They are broadly categorized into open-loop and closed-loop systems. These classifications hinge on the presence or absence of feedback mechanisms, significantly influencing the system's performance, complexity, and application.
An open-loop control system operates without feedback from the output. It consists of two primary elements: the controller and the controlled process. The controller receives an input signal and...
An open-loop control system operates without feedback from the output. It consists of two primary elements: the controller and the controlled process. The controller receives an input signal and...