A TECHNOLOGY company is continuing its remarkable success story after being commissioned to develop a new type of electronic “skin” for robots.

Peratech’s tie-up with the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the US, follows the firm announcing a clutch of multi-million dollar agreements to use its Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) technology in a range of touch screens for mobile phones and games consoles.

This time the company is working on a research project which could eventually allow humans to interact with robots through touch, in the same way they would with another human.

The use of Peratech’s QTC technology would mean robotic devices could detect not only that they have been touched, but where and how hard the touch was.

Peratech, based in Bromptonon- Swale, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, brought its patented QTC technology to the commercial market in 2006.

It consists of electro-active polymeric materials which enable the action of touch to be translated into an electrical reaction.

Its unique properties also enable it to be made into force sensitive switches of any shape or size.

QTCs provide a measured response to force and/or touch by changing their electrical resistance – much as a dimmer light switch controls a lightbulb.

In this application they enable a simple electronic circuit within the robot to determine touch.

Sensors are also used and applied to areas such as the forearms, shoulders and torso.

It is hoped the research project with MIT could eventually be applied to a range of robotics projects that MIT works on.

Asked about further practical applications for the electronic skin, a spokesman for the firm said one area being explored was using the technology in robotic aids which could be used to help elderly people with practical tasks.

He also said the skin would be useful in robotic assembly on factory production lines.

The spokesman added: “This is technology down the line, with a clearly identified need.”