Objective
Life would be unthinkable without a sense of touch, for which we rely on densely distributed (mechano)sensors as part of our sensorimotor system, allowing us to grab objects and manipulate tools. From early on in life, reflexive movements (i.e. baby grasp reflex) ensure tight integration of sensing, signal processing, and movement. Such high-density local integration poses a fundamental challenge for robotics, as robotic sensing remains limited and expensive. Advancements in tactile sensing technologies based on new chemistry will be key enablers for future robots, particularly based on soft materials that are at the helm of a materials revolution for medical and general purpose robotics.
With TactoChem, I will develop an artificial reflex arc for soft materials based on chemical mechanosensors that initiate chemical signaling cascades for movement. Chemical mechanosensors, similar to biological ones, are inherently nanoscale, scalable, and integrate with a material´s chemistry. Yet current mechanochemical tools are not designed for repeated production of strong signals and eliciting motion. Moreover, diffusive signaling is slow. TactoChem will establish new mechanophores – molecules that respond to mechanical force – and use autocatalysis to amplify their signal. To enable selective, even parallel signaling, and rapid movements of soft materials, we will leverage autocatalytic reactions locally delivered through networks of channels (synthetic vasculature). The resulting chemical analog of basic movement reflexes, akin to the knee-jerk or to baby grasp reflexes, will provide a first integrated chemical system for touch-based movement control. Mastering a sense of touch by chemical means will enable the design of novel robotic components made from soft materials without the need for electronic circuits and external power. As such, it has the power to fundamentally change how we think and design materials and robots.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- social sciences political sciences political transitions revolutions
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering robotics
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
9712CP Groningen
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.