Roland S Johansson

Title: Innovations by Roland S Johansson

Introduction

Roland S Johansson is a notable inventor based in Umea, Sweden. He has made significant contributions to the field of tactile sensing technology. With a total of 2 patents, his work focuses on creating advanced sensory systems that mimic human touch.

Latest Patents

Johansson's latest patents include a "Biomimetic tactile sensor for control of grip." This invention features a robust tactile sensor array that mimics the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are designed similarly to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The sensor utilizes the deformable properties of the finger pad as part of the transduction process. Multiple electrodes are mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes that contain information about those forces and the objects that applied them. This technology includes strategies for extracting features related to mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control.

Another significant patent is the "Biomimetic tactile sensor." This invention consists of a tactile sensory system made up of a set of sensors that measure impedance among a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are deployed on a substantially rigid structure, which is protected from direct contact with external objects by overlying deformable structures. These mechanical structures resemble the biological relationships among the distal phalanx, overlying finger pulp, and covering skin and nail. Signal information is extracted from these sensors, which relates to canonical physical representations used to describe stimuli to be sensed.

Career Highlights

Johansson is affiliated with the University of Southern California, where he continues to advance research in tactile sensing technologies. His work has garnered attention for its innovative approach to mimicking human sensory capabilities.

Collaborations

Johansson has collaborated with notable figures in the field, including Gerald E Loeb and Nicholas Wettels. Their combined expertise has contributed to the development of groundbreaking technologies in tactile sensing.

Conclusion

Roland S Johansson's contributions to tactile sensing technology highlight the intersection of biology and engineering. His innovative patents pave the way for advancements in sensory systems that can enhance human-machine interaction.