A 2025 Doctoral Fellowship from the Data Science Institute (DSI) is helping MIE graduate student Arman Arezoomand with the bio-inspired technology, which could also advance embodied AI and precision manufacturing
Funding from a Data Sciences Institute (DSI) Doctoral Student Fellowship will help power research into soft tactile-sensing robotic skin.
MIE PhD candidate Arman Arezoomand uses a biomimetic approach in his research, working with sensors that can detect the shape and texture of objects, just as human skin does. As the recipient of the new fellowship, Arezoomand will continue to develop and explore a new application of AI in tactile perception for robots.
“Receiving this Fellowship allows me to address the current limitations in artificial tactile perception and develop prosthetic digits equipped with soft sensors that truly replicate the sensitivity of the human fingertip skin,” says Arezoomand.
Beyond prosthetics, the technology developed in Arezoomand’s project holds significant promise for embodied AI, where robots must interact intelligently with dynamic physical environments. In this field, the artificial skin could enable more sophisticated autonomous systems, such as humanoid robots that navigate cluttered spaces or perform intricate tasks like sorting fragile items, by providing real-time feedback on surface textures, pressures and slippage.
Future plans are to integrate the sensor into a prosthetic hand, restoring a sense of touch for upper-limb amputees. An embedded/edge AI within the prosthesis would process the sensor data in real-time, providing the user with tactile feedback.
“Our overarching objective is to develop a sensor that can make a real impact and improve the quality of life for partial hand amputees” says Arezoomand.
“The goal of restoring tactile sensing in prosthetics has been a powerful motivation to develop a truly useful product to improve balance, motor control and gripping.”
Arezoomand is co-supervised by Professor Fae Azhari (MIE, CivE) in the Decisionics Lab, and Professor Heather Baltzer (Temerty Medicine), Director of the Hand Surgery group at Toronto Western Hospital. Baltzer is also clinician investigator at the Krembil Research Institute, part of the University Health Network (UHN) and Arezoomand works closely with medical researchers there.
Arezoomand joined MIE after completing his Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. He says he was drawn to U of T by its reputation as a hub for collaborative, multidisciplinary AI research—a perfect fit for his project.
“The complexity of the project allows us to break it down into smaller pieces for teams with different expertise, from mechanical engineering to medical science” says Arezoomand.
“I am incredibly grateful to lead such a diverse and innovative effort in replicating the human sense of touch through artificial skin.”
The tactile sensing technology could also improve manufacturing and supply chains by creating more advanced automation systems that can perform delicate assembly tasks and take control of automated storage and retrieval systems in warehouses.
“Big tech companies have initiated research in this context, and they are competing which shows the importance the tactile sensing challenges.” Arezoomand notes.
“The scope and potential application of the research are so widespread, it’s fulfilling for myself and the team to work toward developing a sensor with substantial impact.”
-Published November 4, 2025 by Kendra Hunter, kendra.hunter@utoronto.ca