John E. Tanner

Papers

Total Citations

115

H-Index

About

John E. Tanner is a pioneering figure in the intersection of VLSI design and robotics, best known for his groundbreaking work on tactile sensing systems. His research centers on developing specialized parallel computing architectures that integrate sensing and processing at the hardware level, enabling robots to perceive and interpret physical contact with their environment. Tanner's most influential contribution is the design and implementation of a VLSI tactile sensing computer, which functions simultaneously as a high-resolution tactile array sensor and a special-purpose parallel processor. This innovation, detailed in his 1982 paper (110 citations), laid the foundation for advanced robotic manipulation by providing real-time, localized contact information. His earlier 1981 work (5 citations) introduced the concept of a tactile sensing array computer, demonstrating how VLSI technology could replace bulky, slower sensor systems with compact, intelligent hardware. Tanner's achievements have had a lasting impact on the fields of robotics and microelectronics, inspiring subsequent research in neuromorphic computing and sensor-integrated circuits. His work remains a key reference for engineers developing tactile feedback systems for prosthetics, industrial robots, and human-machine interfaces.