Project TERN
The TERN Project
TERN: Three-dimensional force and temperature sensing skins. Funded by ARIA.
Today’s robots often struggle with delicate tasks due to limited tactile feedback. We are developing next-generation electronic skin (e-skin) to equip robots with human-like touch perception. Our multiscale structured design enables real-time, high-resolution 3D sensing of force magnitude and direction, temperature, texture, sliding, and surface stiffness with unprecedented dexterity and precision. By introducing this advanced level of tactile sensing, our e-skin addresses a fundamental gap in current robotic capabilities. It enhances robotic perception and human-robot collaboration, unlocking new applications in surgical robotics, agriculture, precision manufacturing, and AI-driven automation. Supported by ARIA’s Robot Dexterity programme, the project advances both foundational research and early translational development, aiming to elevate the technology from TRL 3 to TRL 6 through performance optimisation, system integration, and industrial validation.
Investigator
Prof Tawfique Hasan
- Role: Project management
- Prof Hasan's Cambridge Engineering Profile Page
Postdoctoral Research Associates
Prof Guolin Yun
- Role: SRA, material composition and sensor array
- Cambridge NanoEngineering Group People Page
Dr Zhuo Chen
- Role: Composite formulation and structural design
- Cambridge NanoEngineering Group People Page
- Churchill College Fellow Page
Dr Doğa Doğanay
- Role: Electrical readout and electronics integration
- Cambridge NanoEngineering Group People Page
Technician
Mr Amir Nateghi
- Role: Sensor fabrication and batch tests
- Cambridge NanoEngineering Group People Page
MPhil Students
Mr Madhurjot Sohi
- Role: Robotic Hands and Sensor Integration
- Cambridge NanoEngineering Group People Page
News
Dr Doğa joined the project team
13 October 2025
We are delighted to announce that Dr Doğa has joined the project team as PDRA as of today. He will be supporting our work on Electrical readout and electronics integration. Warmest welcome!
Madhurjot joined the project team
03 October 2025
We are delighted to announce that Madhurjot has joined the project team as a MPhil as of today. He will be supporting our work on Robotic Hands and Sensor Integration. Warmest welcome!
Amir joined the project team
14 July 2025
We are delighted to announce that Amir has joined the project team as a Process Technician as of today. He will be supporting our work on composite-material formulations and sensor development. Warmest welcome!
Zhuo completed the Impulse Programme
11 July 2025
Zhuo has successfully completed the renowned entrepreneurial training Impulse Programme at the Maxwell Centre. Through its action‑learning format, he crafted an investment pitch that earned overwhelmingly positive feedback. His work has since been featured in Business Weekly, Cambridge Independent and The Engineer UK.
ARIA Robotics Creator Workshop
13 March 2025
We attended the 3-day ARIA Robotics Creator Workshop at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), where we had the opportunity to showcase our technology, connect with fellow creators, and engage with programme and activation partners. The event provided valuable insights into the broader ecosystem of robot dexterity and helped us identify potential collaborators for downstream integration and testing.
Project kick-off
1 March 2025
The TERN project officially kicks off today!!
Printer testing at Surrey University
11 December 2024
Guolin and Zhuo visited the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) at the University of Surrey to explore printing of micrometre-resolution electrical connections on soft substrates using the XTPL Delta tool. Many thanks to Prof. Radu Sporea, Spencer Skinner, and Dr. Dimitar Kutsarov for their warm hospitality and support during the visit.