Improving inkjet printed flexible angle sensor performance by compression-tension sensor pair compensation

This paper introduces a new method for improved integrated angle sensing in the foldable robot joints (hinges), using low-cost inkjet printed sensors and a novel physical intelligence based compensation approach. Silver nanoparticle angle sensors are inkjet printed on a flexible PET substrate as a hinge material and implemented as pairs of compression and tension side folding individuals into a rigid experimental setup. Resulting combined signals improved the individual sensor responses due to their compensating physical characteristics, and gave the far best performances in the existing literature in terms of linearity, sensor life-time, static and cyclic drift, hysteresis and dynamic dependency. Proposed approach is promising for eliminating the major limitations on the printed sensor use in flexible hinges and paving the way to reliable, fully soft and easy-to-fabricate all-integrated foldable robots.

Automated summary

This paper introduces a new method for improved integrated angle sensing in foldable robot joints using low-cost inkjet printed sensors and a novel physical intelligence based compensation approach. By printing silver nanoparticle angle sensors on a flexible PET substrate, the sensors are implemented as part of a rigid experimental setup, resulting in combined signals that greatly improve the individual sensor responses. This approach shows promise in overcoming limitations in using printed sensors in flexible hinges and allows for the development of reliable and fully integrated foldable robots.