# See-Through Robot Sensors GelSight Gives Robots the Ability To 'See' Through Their Hands By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-09-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelsight-sensor References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/gelsight-robot-tactile-sensor/33946/) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1EBdbe4Nes) GelSight is an incredibly ultra-sensitive [tactile sensor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bionic-hand) -- built for robots -- that essentially gives robots the ability to 'see' through their arms, allowing for more precise and complex [robotic arm movements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-edinburgh) and functions. The sensor works thanks to a slab of clear rubber coated on one side along with a layer of metallic paint. When the painted site is pressed against a surface, it adopts it shape. By looking through the unpainted side, the sensor's system can convert contours and lines into 3D images and feed them into the robot's control system. The [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-robotic-prosthetic-hand) researchers who developed the GelSight sensor system have already successfully demonstrated it identifying a hanging USB cable, grabbing it with its pinchers and then inserting it into the appropriate plug. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Ultra-sensitive Tactile Sensors:** The use of ultra-sensitive tactile sensors allows robots to 'see' and manipulate objects with more precision and complexity. - **Enhanced Robotic Arm Movements:** Robots equipped with GelSight sensors are capable of executing more precise and complex arm movements, leading to increased functionality. - **3D Imaging Technology:** The integration of 3D imaging technology into robotic systems enables them to convert physical contours and lines into 3D images for improved perception. ### Where This Applies - **Robotics:** The robotics industry can leverage ultra-sensitive tactile sensors and 3D imaging technology to develop more advanced and dexterous robotic systems. - **Manufacturing:** Incorporating GelSight sensors into manufacturing processes can enhance the precision and complexity of robotic assembly and manipulation tasks. - **Healthcare:** Ultra-sensitive tactile sensors can enable robots to perform delicate surgical procedures with a higher level of accuracy, revolutionizing the healthcare industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Comprehensive Tactile Sensing Infrastructure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-sensing-infrastructure.md) - [AI-Driven Robotics Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aidriven-robotics-technology.md) - [Tactile-Focused Embodied AI Infrastructures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-sensing.md) - [Intuition-Inspired Robot Safety Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/predictive-safety-engine.md) - [Ultra Sensitive Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vulcan-robot.md) - [Reversible Robotic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reversible-robotic-hand.md) - [Lightweight Robotic Hand Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-hand1.md) - [Dexterous Robotics Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpawave.md) - [Robotic Hand Assistance Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioservo-carbonhand.md)