Customizable, Flexible Pressure, and Temperature Step Sensors with Human Skinlike Color.

ABSTRACT: Durability and multifunctionality are very important factors for human skinlike tactile sensors for measuring physical stimuli if they provide reasonable pressure measurement range and sensitivity. Here, we propose a step tactile sensor with a simple processing unit, showing high repeatability and mechanical stability without drifting caused by thermal and geometrical noise. The proposed sensor, similar to a switch mechanism, detects the applied pressure discretely and has a wide pressure range of 2 kPa to 1.2 MPa according to its geometry. The developed tactile sensor can be designed and fabricated in various morphologies to detect a wide range of tactile stimuli, which help in customizing the sensor as per user demand for practical applications such as a prosthesis arm or hand. It is also easy to extend the sensor size to cover a large area owing to the simple fabrication process by using a 3D printer. Furthermore, with the addition of a flexible exterior layer of leuco dyes and the polydimethylsiloxane mixture, the color of a step tactile sensor not only resembles that of human skin color but also changes its color depending on the temperature changes as human skin does. Thus, the function of a pressure and temperature indicator in a flexible step sensor finds practical applications in various fields, including but not limited to prosthetic applications for the customized and comfortable usage.

SUBMITTER: Kim S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6641391 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature