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A Simple Stimulatory Device for Evoking Point-like Tactile Stimuli: A Searchlight for LFP to Spike Transitions
Published on: March 25, 2014
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Tactile sensory coding and learning with bio-inspired optoelectronic spiking afferent nerves
Hongwei Tan1, Quanzheng Tao2, Ishan Pande3
1NanoSpin, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science, P.O. Box 15100, FI-00076, Aalto, Finland. hongwei.tan@aalto.fi.
Nature Communications
|March 15, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed an optoelectronic spiking nerve inspired by biological systems. This artificial nerve mimics tactile sensing, processing pressure inputs, and recognizing patterns like Morse code and braille.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Biological somatosensory systems integrate mechanoreceptors, neurons, and synapses for tactile sensing.
- Artificial systems aim to replicate these complex functions for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an optoelectronic spiking afferent nerve mimicking biological tactile sensing and processing.
- To incorporate neural coding, perceptual learning, and memorization capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MXene-based sensors for pressure detection.
- Converted pressure signals to light pulses using LEDs and analog-to-digital circuits.
- Integrated light pulses with a synaptic photomemristor for signal processing.
Main Results:
- The system demonstrated neural coding for simultaneous pressure inputs.
- Successfully recognized patterns such as Morse code, braille, and object movement.
- Achieved recognition and memorization of handwritten alphabets and words via dimensionality-reduced feature extraction and learning.
Conclusions:
- The developed optoelectronic spiking nerve shows promise for mimicking tactile sensing and processing.
- This technology offers a potential pathway for advancements in electronic skin (e-skin), neurorobotics, and human-machine interaction.
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