A universal and arbitrary tactile interactive system based on self-powered optical communication

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) has diffused into practically every profession relying on various functional sensors and interactive interfaces. It is desirable to develop a cheap, facile, and energy-autonomous interactive system based on highly efficient optical communication. Here, we demonstrate a universal and stable tactile interactive system (TIS) on arbitrary objects through a self-powered optical communicator triggered by the triboelectric electric signals. The TIS includes a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as the signal generator, a self-powered rectifying optical communicator, and a signal processing unit. Through the developed system, we can more effectively utilize the irregular/imperfect triboelectric signals to drive the optical communicator and implement various applications (including tactile switch, flowing LEDs, paper piano, PPT and domestic appliances wireless controller). The proposed TIS is simple in circuit design, capable of converting arbitrarily irregular/imperfect triboelectric signals and consumes low power and cost. It is believed the TIS will make great contributions to intelligent mechanosensation, precise digital control, smart home systems and advanced industrial manufacturing in future.