Groundbreaking research from scientists at Queen Mary University of London and University College London (UCL) reveals that humans may possess a previously unrecognized sense, termed “remote touch.” This ability, which some shorebirds utilize to locate prey beneath sand, allows individuals to sense objects without direct contact or visibility.
In this pioneering study, researchers investigated the mechanisms behind this sensory capability. Elisabetta Versace, who leads the Prepared Minds Lab at Queen Mary University, explained that the research marks the first time remote touch has been examined in humans, reshaping our understanding of sensory perception.
To explore this phenomenon, the team designed an experiment that mimicked the foraging behavior of shorebirds. Participants were tasked with locating a concealed cube buried in sand using only their fingers. Importantly, they were required to identify the cube’s position before making actual contact.
When compared to a robot equipped with a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm, human participants demonstrated significantly superior performance. The human test subjects achieved a success rate of nearly 70.7% in identifying the location of the cube, stopping within an average distance of 2.7 cm (approximately 1.06 in) from the target. In contrast, the robot managed only a 40% success rate.
Implications for Robotics and Technology
The findings suggest that humans can detect objects through sand by interpreting subtle mechanical shifts and pressure changes, which serve as cues. Zhengqi Chen, a researcher in the Advanced Robotics Lab at Queen Mary, emphasized the potential applications of this discovery. “The research opens possibilities for designing tools and assistive technologies that extend human tactile perception,” he stated.
The insights gained from this study could lead to the development of advanced robots capable of delicate operations, such as locating archaeological artifacts without causing damage or exploring challenging terrains like Martian soil and ocean floors. Furthermore, these advancements promise to enhance safety and efficiency in hazardous exploration scenarios.
While the study demonstrates promising results, the researchers acknowledge certain limitations, including the controlled lab environment and the absence of mechanical analysis regarding sand displacement during the sensing process. They view this as a foundation for future research involving larger participant groups and varied mediums.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
The research also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Lorenzo Jamone, Associate Professor in Robotics & AI at UCL, noted how the human experiments informed the robot’s machine learning approach, while the robot’s performance provided fresh perspectives on the human data. This synergy exemplifies the potential for psychology, robotics, and artificial intelligence to converge, leading to both fundamental discoveries and innovative technologies.
The team’s research findings were published in the IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL), marking a significant step forward in understanding not only human sensory capabilities but also their implications for technological advancements.
