3D dual-mode tactile sensor with decoupled temperature and pressure sensing: Toward biological skins for wearable devices and smart robotics

Abstract

The potential of wearable devices and smart robotics stands to be greatly enhanced by the development of dual-mode sensors emulating human skin functionality. However, challenges in their realization and the mitigation of crosstalk issues from concurrent signals persist. We present a pressure-temperature-tactile sensor (PTTS) built upon a 3D porous structure and conductive nanocomposites encompassing graphene, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, silicone rubber, and polyaniline. The PTTS showcases a pressure detection range from 0 to 110 kPa, pressure sensitivity at 0.3488 kPa−1, a low-pressure detection threshold of 186 Pa, and temperature sensitivity up to 21.5 μV/K. Crucially, the PTTS effectively untangles the dual functions of pressure and temperature sensing, thus mitigating crosstalk. It achieves computer communication through Morse code, enabling efficient demonstrations of human-computer interaction. Furthermore, the sensor accurately captures human motion while concurrently gauging ambient temperature without signal interference. Our device introduces an innovative avenue for non-contact sensing and human-computer interaction across applications, underscoring its potential to revolutionize wearable devices and smart robotics, consequently impacting diverse industries.