journal article·2026-03Open access

Closed‐Loop Haptic–Thermal Perception with Memristor‐Based Spiking Neurons for Embodied Neuromorphic Intelligence

Tianci Huang, Haotian Li, Zilong Dong, Zuqing Yuan, Qilin Hua, Weiguo Hu, Guozhen Shen

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 22

Abstract

Abstract Advances in embodied intelligence necessitate the integration of tactile and thermal sensing in artificial sensory systems to enable adaptive human–robot interactions, which compensate for insufficient or entirely unavailable visual information in contact‐haptic operations. Here, a closed‐loop haptic–thermal perception system featuring silver nanowire (AgNW) memristors with dual‐mode pressure‐temperature sensors is presented. Optimized via spin‐coating AgNWs and ALD‐grown Al 2 O 3 encapsulation, AgNW memristors demonstrate bidirectional threshold switching behavior with ultralow leakage current (<1 nA), sub‐1V threshold voltage, and ambient stability. Flexible dual‐mode sensors convert external stimuli into electrical signals, mimicking the human skin's perception of pressure and temperature. Sensory stimuli are processed by AgNW memristor‐based spiking neurons, which can fuse simulated information from dual‐mode sensors into a spike sequence and classify via convolutional neural networks (CNNs), emulating four haptic–thermal perceptual levels in a robot hand—from gentle touch to extreme discomfort. This architecture enables energy‐efficient, low‐latency decision‐making that facilitates artificial nociceptive reflexes for safe human–robot interaction while advancing neuromorphic devices for next‐generation wearable electronics and embodied intelligence.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Advanced Memory and Neural Computing · Ferroelectric and Negative Capacitance Devices

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics Beijing Institute of Technology Beijing 100081 China

Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 101400 China

Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain‐inspired Computing and Intelligent Chips Guangxi Normal University Guilin 541004 China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities · Beijing Institute of Technology Research Fund Program for Young Scholars

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