The Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) research center has announced the developement of a tactile sensor capable of functioning like human skin. The tactile sensor is made of polydimethylsiloxane, a synthetic rubber, and has a 1-millimeter spatial resolution capability."Many tactile sensors have been developed so far, but ours has the highest spatial resolution capability, flexibility, softness and extensibility," said Lee Hyung-kyu, who led the development project. The new sensor is widely expected to lay the foundation for coating humanoids such as South Korea's humanoid robot , HUBO or Japan's ASIMO with artificial skin.

HUBO is capable of moving its fingers independently, dancing and shaking hands with people by using its 41 joints.

Japan's ASIMO, an acronym for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, was unveiled in 2000 as the world's most advanced bi-pedal robot.

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