In this study, a tactile sensor integrating micro-and macro-scale tactile detection components was developed to reproduce the micro/macro touch sensations of the human fingertip. The micro-scale tactile detection component comprises a 500 μm diameter contactor that mimics the shape and size of the fingerprint ridge, and detects the micro shape of surfaces and local friction with high spatial resolution. The macro-scale tactile detection component detects the overall contact force and slipperiness via a wide-area sensor that mimics the skin of the fingertip. Three fabric samples with different weave structures were analyzed using the fabricated device. The fine surface pattern of the fabrics and slip friction were detected, and the differences according to the weave structure clearly extracted. Additionally, the contact force dependency of the tactile information, which is an important factor with regard to the touch sensation of a fabric, was successfully obtained using the two detection components.
In the present report, we have developed a tactile sensor with fingerprint-like array of contactors for obtaining the surface distribution of tactile information in high spatial resolutions. Six high resolution sensing modules of contactors with biaxial detectors were integrated in line at a pitch of 500 μm, the typical pitch of fingerprint ridges. Each sensing module independently detected the micro surface shape and locally generated frictional force on the object surfaces. Mechanical analysis of the fabricated sensors showed good sensitivities and highly linear responses. Consequently, the measured detection resolutions of surface shape and frictional force were 0.17 μm and 9.9 μN, respectively. The experimental performance evaluation of fabricated sensor was measured in the distribution of tactile information by sweeping the sensor with a yaw angle. Additionally, the 3D surface shape of weave structure and surface distribution of frictional force in a woven fabric with 0.4 mm pitch of threads in high spatial resolution was clearly visualized/observed. Moreover, the directionality of tactile information of the fabric surface distribution was successfully realized using the tactile sensor with the array of contactors by sweeping in different directions.
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