Neuro-inspired thermoresponsive nociceptor for intelligent sensory systems

Artificial nociceptors with biologically complex sensory functions show intriguing potential in the growing fields of humanoid robotics and intelligent prosthetics. However, conventional artificial sensory systems with separation of sensors, memory, and processing units pose serious challenges in terms of device integration, efficiency, and power consumption. Here we demonstrate a neuro-inspired artificial electronic receptor prototype based on a bismuth selenide (Bi₂Se₃) memristor for a highly efficient artificial thermal nociception system. Bi₂Se₃ thermoelectric films as functional materials enable the memristor to have in-situ temperature sensing, internal storage, and computing capabilities. Ag/PMMA/Bi₂Se₃/ITO memristor-based electronic receptors can reproduce the "threshold", "relaxation", and “no adaptation” behaviors of human nociceptors according to the intensity, duration, and repetitions of external stimuli. Further combining this artificial receptor with a robotic manipulator can be used to construct an artificial thermal nociception system and successfully demonstrate the nerve reflex action under thermal stimulation. The designed and realized highly efficient artificial nociceptors will enable novel sensing paradigms in biomimetic applications and neuromorphic engineering.