Emerging High-Depth Signal Tactile Sensing Technology for Achieving Artificial Human touch

Christine Fraser, Edward Shim, Mohammed Fazil Adam Basha, Hayden Choi

Keywords: tactile, textile, edge-computing, semi-conductor, sensing, multi-modal, robotics, automation, automotive, high-depth, emerging technology, soft robotics, fabric sensors, IO

TL;DR: A pioneering step forward in advancing tactile sensing. The semi-conductive layer enables three key advantages. Active-Dynamic sensing, Multi-modal sensing, and dynamic form factors.

Abstract:

Over recent years, the state-of-the-art in tactile
sensing has shifted towards visually measuring tactile
membrane deformation. However, due to the multi-sensory
nature of human touch, direct physical sensors remain
beneficial. Traditionally, such sensors are often limited to
singular measurements, have a limited signal range, and tend to
have a binary (on-off) behavior.

The novel sensor described in this paper approaches this
challenge through the substitution of non-recyclable polymers
with a textile semi-conductive layer sandwiched between two
conductive layers. This sensor provides a dynamic sensing
range, even when the sensor deforms, similar to how humans
feel a wide range of touch even when the fingers are curled or
fully extended. With novel sensor-level filtering that reduces
post-processing steps of data cleaning, signal filtering, and
calibration, the result is continuous high-depth measurements
for real-time identification of intended tactile stimuli, leading
towards a breakthrough for achieving artificial human touch.

Submission Number: 9