Chinese Scientists Develop Robotic Skin That Feels Pain and Reacts Faster Than Humans
BEIJING, China — In a breakthrough that could revolutionize robotics and human-robot interaction, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have unveiled a new type of robotic skin capable of sensing pain and reacting faster than the human nervous system. This neuromorphic electronic skin, or NRE-skin, mimics the complex functions of human skin and nerves, allowing humanoid robots to detect harmful contact instantly and initiate self-repair.
Traditional robotic skins have been limited to detecting touch or pressure, but they lack the ability to distinguish between benign and damaging stimuli. This limitation often results in delayed responses, as sensor data must be processed by a central computer before the robot can react—sometimes causing damage to the robot or its surroundings. The new NRE-skin addresses this by integrating sensors and circuits that behave like sensory nerves, enabling robots to respond to painful stimuli with lightning speed.
The four-layered design of the e-skin closely parallels human skin anatomy. The top layer acts as a protective epidermis, while underlying layers contain sensors that continuously monitor the robot’s surface. Even without contact, the skin emits small electrical pulses every 75 to 150 seconds as a status check, ensuring the system is functioning properly. When the skin detects harmful pressure or temperature, it sends immediate signals to the robot’s motors, triggering an instant reaction that can prevent damage.
Beyond sensing pain, the NRE-skin features modular magnetic patches that allow for rapid self-repair. Damaged sections can be replaced or reconfigured without dismantling the entire robot, significantly extending operational lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. This innovation could prove crucial as robots increasingly enter sensitive environments such as homes, hospitals, and workplaces, where safety and reliability are paramount.
Experts note that this technology represents a significant step forward in robotics. The National Science Foundation has highlighted the importance of such advancements in enabling robots to perform complex tasks alongside humans safely. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Standards and Technology emphasizes that improvements in tactile sensing and autonomous response are key to the next generation of intelligent machines.
Robotics specialists anticipate that neuromorphic e-skin could lead to more natural and adaptive robot behavior. By processing sensory information locally—much like the human spinal cord does—robots can bypass slower centralized computing, reducing reaction times from milliseconds to microseconds. This rapid feedback loop could prevent accidents and improve robot dexterity.
As robots become more prevalent in everyday life, the ability to sense pain and respond appropriately will be critical. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has long funded research into tactile sensing for military robots, and this new development may accelerate applications in both defense and civilian sectors.
The Chinese team’s research was showcased at CES 2026, where it attracted significant attention for its potential to transform robotics. While still in the experimental stage, the NRE-skin promises to bring robots closer to human-like perception and resilience, opening new frontiers in artificial intelligence and machine autonomy.
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