Meta is teaming up with GelSight, a company that makes sensors, and Wonik Robotics, a South Korean company that builds robots, to create new touch sensors for artificial intelligence (AI).
These new sensors are not meant for regular consumers; instead, they are designed for scientists. Meta believes these sensors will help AI systems learn more about the world and better understand how things physically interact with each other.
GelSight will help Meta launch a device called Digit 360. This device is like a fingertip that can sense touch in a way that mimics human ability. It digitizes touch signals using a special AI chip and has about 18 features to pick up changes around it.
In a blog post, Meta explained that they developed a special optical system for the Digit 360 that allows it to capture a wide range of touch sensations. This sensor can detect various properties when it interacts with different surfaces, such as vibrations, heat, and even smells.
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The Digit 360 will be available for sale next year, and Meta is inviting researchers to apply for early access to test it out.
Meta is also working with Wonik to improve their robotic hand, called the Allegro Hand, which will include the new touch sensors like Digit 360. The new Allegro Hand will be able to send the data it gathers from its sensors to a connected computer. This enhanced version will also be available starting next year.
