Rational design of high-performance wearable tactile sensors utilizing bioinspired structures/functions, natural biopolymers, and biomimetic strategies

Nature has created high-performance materials and structures over millions of years of evolution. Inspired by the concepts and design principles evident in natural materials and structures, high-performance tactile sensors, based on bioinspired structures/functions, natural biopolymers, and biomimetic strategies, have been developed. However, the primary challenge is to develop novel sensing mechanisms and device structures that are suffi-ciently sensitive and stretchable using bioinspired materials. Herein, we review the recent advancements made in this field, focusing on biomimetic approaches to produce tactile sensors with essential sensing capabilities and the development of bioinspired materials with the desired electrical and mechanical properties. In addition, we highlight the potential applications of these devices and discuss the potential directions for future work.

Automated summary

Researchers have developed high-performance tactile sensors based on bioinspired structures/functions, natural biopolymers, and biomimetic strategies, inspired by the concepts and design principles evident in natural materials and structures. However, the main challenge lies in developing novel sensing mechanisms and device structures that are sufficiently sensitive and stretchable using bioinspired materials. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in this field, focusing on biomimetic approaches to producing tactile sensors with essential sensing capabilities and the development of bioinspired materials with desired electrical and mechanical properties. Additionally, we highlight the potential applications of these devices and discuss future directions for research.