Self healable neuromorphic memtransistor elements for decentralized sensory signal processing in robotics.

Journal: Nature communications
PMID: 32788588

Abstract

Sensory information processing in robot skins currently rely on a centralized approach where signal transduction (on the body) is separated from centralized computation and decision-making, requiring the transfer of large amounts of data from periphery to central processors, at the cost of wiring, latency, fault tolerance and robustness. We envision a decentralized approach where intelligence is embedded in the sensing nodes, using a unique neuromorphic methodology to extract relevant information in robotic skins. Here we specifically address pain perception and the association of nociception with tactile perception to trigger the escape reflex in a sensorized robotic arm. The proposed system comprises self-healable materials and memtransistors as enabling technologies for the implementation of neuromorphic nociceptors, spiking local associative learning and communication. Configuring memtransistors as gated-threshold and -memristive switches, the demonstrated system features in-memory edge computing with minimal hardware circuitry and wiring, and enhanced fault tolerance and robustness.

Authors

  • Rohit Abraham John
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Naveen Tiwari
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Muhammad Iszaki Bin Patdillah
    Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637553, Singapore.
  • Mohit Rameshchandra Kulkarni
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Nidhi Tiwari
    Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637553, Singapore.
  • Joydeep Basu
    School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Sumon Kumar Bose
    School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Ankit
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Chan Jun Yu
    School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Amoolya Nirmal
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Sujaya Kumar Vishwanath
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
  • Chiara Bartolozzi
    Event-Driven Perception for Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology, via San Quirico 19D, 16163, Genova, Italy.
  • Arindam Basu
  • Nripan Mathews
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore. nripan@ntu.edu.sg.

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