Flexible Pressure Sensor With Wide Linear Sensing Range for Human–Machine Interaction

To realize a hyperconnected smart society with high productivity, advances in flexible sensing technology are highly needed. Nowadays, flexible sensing technology has witnessed improvements in both the hardware performances of sensor devices and the data processing capabilities of the device’s software. Significant research efforts have been devoted to improving materials, sensing mechanism, and configurations of flexible sensing systems in a quest to fulfill the requirements of future technology. Meanwhile, advanced data analysis methods are being developed to extract useful information from increasingly complicated data collected by a single sensor or network of sensors. Machine learning (ML) as an important branch of artificial intelligence can efficiently handle such complex data, which can be multi-dimensional and multi-faceted, thus providing a powerful tool for easy interpretation of sensing data. In this review, the fundamental working mechanisms and common types of flexible mechanical sensors are firstly presented. Then how ML-assisted data interpretation improves the applications of flexible mechanical sensors and other closely-related sensors in various areas is elaborated, which includes health monitoring, human–machine interfaces, object/surface recognition, pressure prediction, and human posture/motion identification. Finally, the advantages, challenges, and future perspectives associated with the fusion of flexible mechanical sensing technology and ML algorithms are discussed. These will give significant insights to enable the advancement of next-generation artificial flexible mechanical sensing.

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“…Copyright (2020) Elsevier. d Cross-interlocked nylon fabrics coated by PEDOT:PSS [ 109 ]. Copyright (2022) IEEE.…”

Section: Mechanical Sensing Typesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Machine Learning-Enhanced Flexible Mechanical Sensing

et al. 2023

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“…Design, fabrication, and modeling of the PSHA are presented in detail. Unlike traditional methods that employ resistive [41][42][43] or capacitive [44][45][46] measurements from deformable sensing components to gauge interface pressure variations, the PSHA module uses a ToF optical sensor for contact force measurement. This noncontact method of measurement enhances the equipment's durability and lifespan.…”

Section: Conclusion and Future Work Directionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modular Pressure Redistribution Cushion with Proprioceptive Soft–Rigid Hybrid Actuator

Peng,

Wang,

Tian

et al. 2023

Advanced Intelligent Systems

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Pressure ulcers, which can result from prolonged sitting, pose a significant challenge for wheelchair users. Soft robotics has considerable potential in preventing pressure ulcers. However, current soft robotics, constructed from flexible materials, face limitations including insufficient proprioception and controllability. Herein, a vacuum‐powered proprioceptive soft–rigid hybrid actuator (PSHA) module and a modular pressure redistribution cushion (MPRC) developed using this module are introduced. This PSHA module is capable of detecting both position and force. Each module within the MPRC is equipped with onboard control, proprioceptive sensation, and inter‐module communication. The MPRC incorporates a closed‐loop control system, enabling it to actively redistribute pressure, thereby preventing prolonged compression of local soft tissue during periods of inactivity. The proposed PSHA module, as evidenced in its application in pressure redistribution cushions, offers a promising approach for designs intent on reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. This study significantly contributes to the advancement of assistive technology, with the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals with immobility or limited mobility.

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“…Changes in physiological pressure may also reflect disease-induced deterioration of body tissues. Therefore, the property of compatibility of epidermal flexible pressure sensing arrays with human skin is particularly important, and bendable structures have subsequently received attention and gradually become the mainstream structure of flexible pressure sensing arrays [ 127 , 128 , 129 ], as shown in Figure 5 A–C for a physical diagram demonstrating the bendability of flexible pressure sensing arrays. Although extraordinary sensitivity is an important sensing performance parameter, rigid pressure sensors are not bendable.…”

Section: Array Structures Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… ( A ) The device still retains its original integrity even under mechanical deformation, such as bending, stretching, or twisting. Reprinted with permission from Springer Nature [ 127 , 128 , 129 ]. ( B ) Optical images of the flexible sensing array at the rest (transferred electrode (insert)) and bent states, respectively.…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

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A Review of Epidermal Flexible Pressure Sensing Arrays

Nan

Cao

et al. 2023

Biosensors

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In recent years, flexible pressure sensing arrays applied in medical monitoring, human-machine interaction, and the Internet of Things have received a lot of attention for their excellent performance. Epidermal sensing arrays can enable the sensing of physiological information, pressure, and other information such as haptics, providing new avenues for the development of wearable devices. This paper reviews the recent research progress on epidermal flexible pressure sensing arrays. Firstly, the fantastic performance materials currently used to prepare flexible pressure sensing arrays are outlined in terms of substrate layer, electrode layer, and sensitive layer. In addition, the general fabrication processes of the materials are summarized, including three-dimensional (3D) printing, screen printing, and laser engraving. Subsequently, the electrode layer structures and sensitive layer microstructures used to further improve the performance design of sensing arrays are discussed based on the limitations of the materials. Furthermore, we present recent advances in the application of fantastic-performance epidermal flexible pressure sensing arrays and their integration with back-end circuits. Finally, the potential challenges and development prospects of flexible pressure sensing arrays are discussed in a comprehensive manner.

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Flexible Pressure Sensor With Wide Linear Sensing Range for Human–Machine Interaction

Cited by 14 publications

References 33 publications

Machine Learning-Enhanced Flexible Mechanical Sensing

Machine Learning-Enhanced Flexible Mechanical Sensing

Modular Pressure Redistribution Cushion with Proprioceptive Soft–Rigid Hybrid Actuator

A Review of Epidermal Flexible Pressure Sensing Arrays

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