Split-Type Magnetic Soft Tactile Sensor with 3D Force Decoupling

Tactile sensory organs for sensing 3D force, such as human skin and fish lateral lines, are indispensable for organisms. With their sensory properties enhanced by layered structures, typical sensory organs can achieve excellent perception as well as protection under frequent mechanical contact. Here, inspired by these layered structures, a split-type magnetic soft tactile sensor with wireless 3D force sensing and a high accuracy (1.33%) fabricated by developing a centripetal magnetization arrangement and theoretical decoupling model is introduced. The 3D force decoupling capability enables it to achieve a perception close to that of human skin in multiple dimensions without complex calibration. Benefiting from the 3D force decoupling capability and split design with a long effective distance (>20 mm), several sensors are assembled in air and water to achieve delicate robotic operation and water flow-based navigation with an offset <1.03%, illustrating the extensive potential of magnetic tactile sensors in flexible electronics, human-machine interactions, and bionic robots.

Automated summary

In this study, a split-type magnetic soft tactile sensor with wireless 3D force sensing and high accuracy is introduced. Inspired by the layered structures of tactile sensory organs, this sensor achieves excellent perception and protection under mechanical contact. With its 3D force decoupling capability and split design, it can be assembled in air and water for delicate robotic operation and water flow-based navigation.