An Integrated Monolithic Synaptic Device for C-Tactile Afferent Perception and Robot Emotional Interaction

C-tactile afferents are low-threshold mechanoreceptors that innervate the hairy skin of mammals, essential for emotional interactions. Replication of such a mechanism could facilitate emotional interactions between humans and embodied intelligence robotic systems. Herein, we demonstrate a monolithic synaptic device that replicates and integrates tactile sensing and neuromorphic processing functions for in-sensor computing. The device is operable by both mechanical and electrical inputs, with the mechanoelectrical operation mechanism stemming from the synergistic effect of dynamic ionic migration and injection. As a proof of concept, the device effectively converts spatiotemporal tactile stimuli into distinct electrical signals, which are subsequently encoded to enable the microcomputer to classify multiple discrete emotional states, such as happiness, calmness, and excitement. This monolithic integrated device, which converges mild tactile perception with neuromorphic processing, with high tactile sensitivity and low-energy consumption, establishes an approach for emotional interaction between intelligent robots and human beings.