Flexible large e-skin array based on patterned laser-induced graphene for tactile perception

Abstract

The emergence of flexible multifunctional electronic-skin (e-skin) has attracted worldwide interests in artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and health-monitoring systems. However, the drawbacks of the existing production process have presented significant challenges to the high-yield patterning of large-area array e-skins. Therefore, a honeycomb-patterned e-skin with laser-induced graphene (LIG) was fabricated by one-step carbonization of the polyimide film. Moreover, it exhibits strain sensitivity for both tensile and pressure stimulations in wide ranges. Based on the excellent mechanical properties and high stain sensitivity, this LIG e-skin is well demonstrated with perception capabilities of large-range human activities and subtle tactile. Specially designed to a matrixed mode, the e-skin device effectively senses the point-touch and sliding tactile on the human skin surface. Machine learning has further verified the feasibility of identifying areas of point-touch on the surface of the e-skin. Consequently, the LIG fabrication could facilitate carbon-based e-skins with patterning of the large-area array. Furthermore, this e-skin indicates excellent potential in universal tactile for robotics, artificial intelligence, human-machine interface, and personal medical equipment.