Recent Progress of Tactile and Force Sensors for Human–Machine Interaction

Abstract

Human–Machine Interface (HMI) plays a key role in the interaction between people and machines, which allows people to easily and intuitively control the machine and immersively experience the virtual world of the meta-universe by virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) technology. Currently, wearable skin-integrated tactile and force sensors are widely used in immersive human–machine interactions due to their ultra-thin, ultra-soft, conformal characteristics. In this paper, the recent progress of tactile and force sensors used in HMI are reviewed, including piezoresistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, triboelectric, and other sensors. Then, this paper discusses how to improve the performance of tactile and force sensors for HMI. Next, this paper summarizes the HMI for dexterous robotic manipulation and VR/AR applications. Finally, this paper summarizes and proposes the future development trend of HMI.

Stretchable and self-healing electronic skin based on a piezoelectric/triboelectric polyester elastomer for deep and superficial sensation

“…However, currently most electronic skins are only capable of imitating supercial sensations. [42][43][44] To overcome this limitation and restore the intrinsic properties of human skin, a novel piezoelectric/ triboelectric elastomer-BBPE (Fig. 1b), is designed and synthesized by the copolymerization of 2,3-BDO, SeA, SuA, 1,3-PDO and IA.…”

Crosstalk-Free Position Mapping for One-Step Reconstruction of Surface Topological Information via Eigenfrequency-Registered Wearable Interface

“…At present, some wearable sensors have exhibited a high sensitivity that exceeds the nerve receptors, which in turn can effectively restore the built-in information on the patterned surface. 20,21 Currently, there are two common approaches for flexible sensors to perceive surface pattern information. The first principle is to divide the surface pattern into multiple areas, and a single sensor is applied to scan the regional area line by line.…”

“…After analyzing the above information, the tactile system of the human body can effectively distinguish surface features such as texture, pattern and roughness, and spatial contour information on the object that is under investigation. − Simulating the tactile function of sensitive fingers makes it possible to broaden the interaction between electrical terminals and environments, which is of great significance to promote the intelligence of electrical machines. − Recently, flexible and wearable sensors have been developed and employed as a powerful tool to simulate the tactile function of human skin. − These tactile sensors convert the perceived information, e.g ., pressure, shear force, temperature, and humidity, into electrical signals through piezoresistive, piezocapacitive, piezoelectric and triboelectric methods. − After analysis of the electrical signals, the captured information can be delivered to enable a more intuitive and effective interaction. At present, some wearable sensors have exhibited a high sensitivity that exceeds the nerve receptors, which in turn can effectively restore the built-in information on the patterned surface. , …”

Soft Optical Waveguides for Biomedical Applications, Wearable Devices, and Soft Robotics: A Review

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] These devices are expected to exhibit flexible and precise control, demonstrate physiological and/or biochemical sensitivity, and follow safety and sustainability standards. [9][10][11][12][13] Typically, sensors and actuators are implemented using electronic strategies that depend on the relative variation of their electrical properties (e.g., piezoelectric, capacitive, or resistive). These sensors have good sensitivity and offer a simple readout.…”

“…[ 1–8 ] These devices are expected to exhibit flexible and precise control, demonstrate physiological and/or biochemical sensitivity, and follow safety and sustainability standards. [ 9–13 ]…”