A bioinspired MXene-based flexible sensory neuron for tactile near-sensor computing

Abstract

Multifunctional near-sensor computing sensory neurons based on the integration of flexible sensors and memristors hold promise to achieve unprecedented development in large-scale neuromorphic perception circuits and human-machine interaction systems. However, the traditional sensory-memory integrated systems are based on the integration of different device modules, which are subjected to redundant analog-to-digital conversion circuits and poor flexibility. Here, an all MXene-based flexible sensory neuron fabricated by a room temperature energy-efficient, and controllable oxidation preparation technique is reported. The near-sensor computing system is seamlessly integrated a MXene-based pressure sensor array for acquisition of tactile signals with a flexible MXene-based memristor array for simulating the implementation of perceived behavior. The tactile sensor array shows a wide range (0.1–100 kPa), high linear sensitivity (23.9 kPa−1), and the memristor array exhibits repeatable and stable bipolar resistive switching behavior (retention >100 cycles, endurance >103 s) and excellent flexibility (R=1.0 mm). As a conceptual demonstration, our devices realize high-precision recognition of handwritten digit recognition (93.21%) and human motion (97.96%), which demonstrate the feasibility for real-time health monitoring based on signals collected by sensors and artificial neural networks constructed by the memristors. The MXene-based sensor-memristor system offers a prominent contribution towards advanced application of intelligence in electronic skin and wearable electronic equipment.