A Self‐Powered Triboelectric Hybrid Coder for Human–Machine Interaction

Abstract

interaction platforms that improve the quality of life and work have been derived, such as smartphones, [5] robots, [6][7][8] virtual reality, [9][10][11] wearable electronics, [12][13][14] and so on. Therein, the human-machine interface plays the role of a bridge between human civilization and the digital world. [15] One of the foundations of the humanmachine interface is sensors with multiple functions, which recognize the physiological indicators or physical parameters of the human body and convert them into electronic signals for transmission, such as fingerprint features, [16] strain, [17] vibration, [18] and inertia. [19] These sensors can accurately feedback instantaneous information, but few of them have achieved detecting multiple parameters. To achieve multi-parameter monitoring and interaction, a general approach is increasing the number of the devices, however, this will increase the energy consumption and the additional volume.Meanwhile, some alternative methods have been demonstrated to realize a more efficient human-machine interface, among them self-powered devices. [20] The self-powered devices are based on piezoelectric or triboelectric effects, which can convert external force into electricity directly. [21] In other words, they are able to act as selfpowered interfaces to transfer human mechanical signals intoHuman-machine interfaces have penetrated various academia and industry fields such as smartphones, robotic, virtual reality, and wearable electronics, due to their abundant functional sensors and information interaction methods. Nevertheless, most sensors' complex structural design, monotonous parameter detection capability, and single information coding communication hinder their rapid development. As the frontier of self-powered sensors, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has multiple working modes and high structural adaptability, which is a potential solution for multi-parameter sensing and miniaturizing of traditional interactive electronic devices. Herein, a self-powered hybrid coder (SHC) based on TENG is reported to encode two action parameters of touch and press, which can be used as a smart interface for human-machine interaction. The top-down hollow structure of the SHC, not only constructs a compositing mode to generate stable touch and press signals but also builds a hybrid coding platform for generating action codes in synergy mode. When a finger touches or presses the SHC, Morse code and Gray code can be transmitted for text information or remote control of electric devices. This self-powered coder is of reference value for designing an alternative human-machine interface and having the potential to contribute to the next generation of highly integrated portable smart electronics.The ORCID identification number(s) for the author(s) of this article can be found under https://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202101529.

Ordered Magnetic Cilia Array Induced by the Micro-cavity Effect for the In Situ Adjustable Pressure Sensor

“…Owing to the skin-like mechanical properties and high sensitivity, flexible pressure sensors have been widely studied in recent years in rapidly developing fields such as intelligent robots and wearable devices. , The magnetic cilia arrays formed based on the Rosensweig instability have also been used in the preparation of sensors with their advantages of easier material availability, fast forming speed, and facile fabrication process. − However, the disordered cilia distribution would have some impact on the repeatability and performance stability of the sensor. In addition, the complex measurement environment also raises higher requirements for the adjustability of the sensor range.…”

Decoupling Contact and Rotary Triboelectrification vs Materials Property: Toward Understanding the Origin of Direct-Current Generation in TENG

“…The conventional TENG requires a bridge rectifier (for AC-to-DC signal conversion) to drive miniaturized gadgets; this affects the flexibility and impacts the high energy loss during the conversion. The pulsed DC output of our R4-TENG is free from a rectifier system, so it can be quickly implemented for wearable devices (as pressure sensors, human–robot interface, smart electronic goods, health care applications). − The circuit design and the respective electrical profile at each stage to drive miniaturized gadgets for the conventional C4-TENG and R4-TENG are provided in Figures S17 and S18. In the conventional TENG, ∼15 V is clearly lost while converting the AC to DC signal via a rectifier (Figure S17C).…”

Fully Fibrous Large‐Area Tailorable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Solution Blow Spinning Technology for Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensing

“…[ 19,20 ] Over the past few years, due to the benefits of its low cost, low power consumption, simple structure, lightweight, and abundant material selection, remarkable progress has been achieved in TENGs for energy collectors with high energy conversion efficiency and self‐powered tactile sensors arrays, which have been widely used in wearable electronic devices. [ 21–23 ] Various approaches, including novel materials, micro/nano‐structure, and new technology, have been utilized to promote the performance of TENG. Currently, MXene, as a new two dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, has been widely used in different fields such as supercapacitors, shielding films, and gas sensors.…”