Researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia claimed to have created electronic artificial skin that is reactive to pain.

According to an article in The Engineer, it has been claimed that this prototype can both replicate reactions to pain and the body’s feedback response. In addition, the team have also produced a prototype that is able to anticipate and react to changes in pressure and temperature which is comprised of stretchable electronics.

Each of the prototypes contain memory cells, which act as a response trigger for whether the pain, pressure or heat exceeds the set threshold.

It is thought that this development could be a vital advancement in the road to producing feedback systems of a more sophisticated and futuristic manner.

“We’re sensing things all the time through the skin, but our pain response only kicks in at a certain point, like when we touch something too hot or too sharp, said Professor Madhu Bhaskaran who is a lead researcher on the study.

“No electronic technologies have been able to realistically mimic that very human feeling of pain – until now. Our artificial skin reacts instantly when pressure, heat, or cold reach a painful threshold.”