Flexible three-axis tactile sensor based on double-layer electrospun polyimide nanofiber membrane

The construction of multi-modal human-machine interaction system makes computer more and more adaptable to human. A flexible three-axis tactile sensor based on a double electrospun polyimide (PI) nanofiber membrane as a dielectric layer has been proposed to sense the multi-axis forces like normal and shearing. A range of thicknesses of double PI nanofiber membranes were explored to optimize the dielectric layer. The sensor with such a dielectric layer exhibited high sensitivity (average sensitivities of the force sensor units were 1.5370 N-1, 0.6620 N-1 and 0.6960 N-1, respectively for the normal force, X-axis, and Y-axis shear forces), wide scale range (0-8 N, 0-3 N, 0-3 N, respectively), quick response (87.5 ms) and good cyclic stability (>10,000 cycles). A typical 4 x 4 sensor array could be used to accurately sense and then designed to achieve multiple combination control modes. A three-axis tactile force sensor may advance artificial skin and robotic applications such as human-machine interaction and disability rehabilitation in the future.

Automated summary

The construction of multi-modal human-machine interaction system enables computers to be more adaptable to humans. A flexible three-axis tactile sensor with a double electrospun polyimide (PI) nanofiber membrane as a dielectric layer has been proposed to sense multi-axis forces. Different thicknesses of the double PI nanofiber membranes were explored to optimize the dielectric layer. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity, wide scale range, quick response, and good cyclic stability, making it suitable for various applications in artificial skin and robotics.