Tactile Near-Sensor Analogue Computing for Ultrafast Responsive Artificial Skin

Ultrafast artificial skin enables unprecedented tactile internet applications in prosthetics, robotics, and human–machine interactions. However, current artificial skin systems that rely on front-end interface electronics typically perform redundant data transfer and analogue-to-digital conversions for decision-making, causing long latency (milliseconds). Here, a near-sensor analogue computing system based on a flexible memristor array for artificial skin applications is reported. This system, which seamlessly integrates a tactile sensor array with a flexible hafnium oxide memristor array, can simultaneously sense and compute raw multiple analogue pressure signals without interface electronics. As a proof-of-concept, the system is used for real-time noise reduction and edge detection of tactile stimuli. One sensing–computing operation of this system takes about 400 ns and consumes on average 1000 times less power than a conventional interface electronic system. The results demonstrate that near-sensor analogue computing offers an ultrafast and energy-efficient route to large-scale artificial skin systems.