The role of neuromorphic and biomimetic sensors

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide details of biomimetic and neuromorphic sensor research and developments and discuss their applications in robotics. Design/methodology/approachFollowing a short introduction, this first provides examples of recent biomimetic gripping and sensing skin research and developments. It then considers neuromorphic vision sensing technology and its potential robotic applications. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. FindingsBiomimetics aims to exploit mechanisms, structures and signal processing techniques which occur in the natural world. Biomimetic sensors and control techniques can impart robots with a range of enhanced capabilities such as learning, gripping and multidimensional tactile sensing. Neuromorphic vision sensors offer several key operation benefits over conventional frame-based imaging techniques. Robotic applications are still largely at the research stage but uses are anticipated in enhanced safety systems in autonomous vehicles and in robotic gripping. Originality/valueThis illustrates how tactile and imaging sensors based on biological principles can contribute to imparting robots with enhanced capabilities.