(Photo: CGTN)

Robots are getting one step closer to having all five senses.

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have developed an artificial skin that gives robots the ability to feel and respond to touch.

They say it’s important for safe work environments between humans and robots.

The International Federation of Robotics predicts the global supply of industrial robots will grow 14 percent each year until 2021.

Robots need to be able to detect contact and have the possibility to adapt and apply the right amount of force needed without hurting people.

It’s not the first time technology and human skin are combined. 

Researchers in Bristol have made what they call “skin-on interfaces.” It’s an artificial skin that can track human gestures.