Self-reconfigurable Multifunctional Memristive Nociceptor for Intelligent Robotics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a self-reconfigurable memristor-based nociceptor that mimics human pain perception, dynamically adjusting to environmental stimuli like temperature and pressure for advanced intelligent robotics applications.

Contribution

It presents the first self-directed channel memristor nociceptor capable of adaptive hazard detection, mimicking biological nociceptor functions with environmental responsiveness.

Findings

Maximum stimulus amplification of 1000%.

Response characteristics adapt to temperature changes.

500% response difference ratio at different temperatures.

Abstract

Artificial nociceptors, mimicking human-like stimuli perception, are of significance for intelligent robotics to work in hazardous and dynamic scenarios. One of the most essential characteristics of the human nociceptor is its self-adjustable attribute, which indicates that the threshold of determination of a potentially hazardous stimulus relies on environmental knowledge. This critical attribute has been currently omitted, but it is highly desired for artificial nociceptors. Inspired by these shortcomings, this article presents, for the first time, a Self-Directed Channel (SDC) memristor-based self-reconfigurable nociceptor, capable of perceiving hazardous pressure stimuli under different temperatures and demonstrates key features of tactile nociceptors, including 'threshold,' 'no-adaptation,' and 'sensitization.' The maximum amplification of hazardous external stimuli is 1000%, and its response characteristics dynamically adapt to current temperature conditions by automatically altering the generated modulation schemes for the memristor. The maximum difference ratio of the response of memristors at different temperatures is 500%, and this adaptability closely mimics the functions of biological tactile nociceptors, resulting in accurate danger perception in various conditions. Beyond temperature adaptation, this memristor-based nociceptor has the potential to integrate different sensory modalities by applying various sensors, thereby achieving human-like perception capabilities in real-world environments.