Researchers at New York University have created “e-Flesh,” a revolutionary tactile sensing technology that gives robots the ability to feel pressure and touch with remarkable precision.
The breakthrough technology uses embedded magnets within 3D-printed structures to detect deformation when touched. As pressure is applied, the magnets shift position, and magnetometer sensors measure these changes to pinpoint contact location and intensity with less than 1mm accuracy.
What makes e-Flesh revolutionary is its accessibility. Unlike expensive traditional tactile sensors, e-Flesh requires only four inexpensive components: a consumer 3D printer, magnets costing under $5, a CAD model, and a magnetometer circuit board.
We have developed a new tactile sensor, called e-Flesh, with a simple working principle: measure deformations in 3D printable microstructures.
Now all you need to make tactile sensors is a 3D printer, magnets, and magnetometers! 🧵 pic.twitter.com/0jE68DaNoF
— Lerrel Pinto (@LerrelPinto) June 18, 2025
Dr. Lerrel Pinto, Assistant Professor at NYU Courant, emphasized that the sensors can be 3D-printed in any shape, making them adaptable to any robotic application. This could enable robots to handle delicate objects, perform precise tasks, and interact more safely with humans.
“With eFlesh, we aim to bridge this gap by introducing a magnetic tactile sensor that is low-cost, easy to fabricate, and highly customizable,” the research team stated.
The technology democratizes advanced robotics research by making sophisticated touch sensors accessible to anyone with a basic 3D printer, potentially accelerating the development of more human-like robots across various fields including medical care and industrial automation.
Learn more & read the research paper here: https://e-flesh.com/
