Electrospun bundled carbon nanofibers for skin-inspired tactile sensing, proprioception and gesture tracking applications

In this work, we report a class of wearable, stitchable, and sensitive carbon nanofiber (CNF)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite-based piezoresistive sensors realized by carbonizing electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and subsequently embedding in PDMS elastomeric thin films. Electro-mechanical tactile sensing characterization of the resulting piezoresistive strain sensors revealed a linear response with an average force sensitivity of similar to 1.82 kN(-1) for normal forces up to 20 N. The real-time functionality of the CNF-PDMS composite sensors in wearable body sensor networks and advanced bionic skin applications was demonstrated through human motion and gesture monitoring experiments. A skin-inspired artificial soft sensor capable of demonstrating proprioceptive and tactile sensory perception utilizing CNF bundles has been shown. Furthermore, a 16-point pressure-sensitive flexible sensor array mimicking slow adapting low threshold mechanoreceptors of glabrous skin was demonstrated. Such devices in tandem with neuromorphic circuits can potentially recreate the sense of touch in robotic arms and restore somatosensory perception in amputees.

Automated summary

A wearable, stitchable, and sensitive CNF-PDMS composite-based piezoresistive sensor with linear response and high force sensitivity was developed for body monitoring and bionic skin applications. This sensor is capable of demonstrating proprioceptive and tactile sensory perception, and has the potential to recreate the sense of touch in robotic arms and restore somatosensory perception in amputees when combined with neuromorphic circuits.