Scientists at Stevens Institute of Technology have developed a groundbreaking method using artificial intelligence that allows machines to distinguish surfaces by touch. This development opens up new possibilities for the use of AI in various industries, including medicine and manufacturing.
Under the guidance of physics professor Yongga Menga Sua, the research team combined quantum mechanics with artificial intelligence to create a system that analyzes textures using laser impulses. By directing laser impulses to a surface, the system is able to decode the “noise of spectles” carried by returning photons, revealing microscopic characteristics of the surface texture.
In a test using industrial sandpaper with varying degrees of roughness, the team achieved a remarkable level of accuracy in measurements, with an error as low as 4 microns. This technology is particularly effective for fine-grained materials like diamond grinding films and aluminum oxide.
One potential application of this technology is in medicine, where AI systems could help distinguish between benign and malignant skin growths based on microscopic differences in texture. This could enable early diagnosis of conditions like melanoma.
In industry, the system could be used to enhance quality control by detecting defects at a microscopic level, ensuring that high-precision components meet all standards. This could revolutionize the production process for complex equipment.
Furthermore, the development could enhance the capabilities of technologies like Lidar, used in autonomous vehicles and smartphones. By combining physics and AI, Stevens Institute of Technology is paving the way for improved technologies and new tools for diagnosis and production processes.