Flexible unimodal strain sensors for human motion detection and differentiation

Abstract Multiple strain sensors are required to identify individual forces/stresses on human joints and recognize how they work together in order to determine the motion’s direction and trajectory. However, current sensors cannot detect and differentiate the individual forces/stresses and their con...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lu Jin, Zhenhong Li, Zekun Liu, Bethany Richardson, Yan Zheng, Lulu Xu, Zhongda Chen, Heng Zhai, Hongdoo Kim, Qingwen Song, Pengfei Yue, Sheng Quan Xie, Kap Jin Kim, Yi Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2022-08-01
Series:npj Flexible Electronics
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-022-00205-4
Description
Summary:Abstract Multiple strain sensors are required to identify individual forces/stresses on human joints and recognize how they work together in order to determine the motion’s direction and trajectory. However, current sensors cannot detect and differentiate the individual forces/stresses and their contributions to the motion from the sensors’ electrical signals. To address this critical issue, we propose a concept of unimodal tension, bend, shear, and twist strain sensors with piezoelectric poly L-lactic acid films. We then construct an integrated unimodal sensor (i-US) using the unimodal sensors and prove that the i-US can detect and differentiate individual strain modes, such as tensioning, bending, shearing, and twisting in complex motion. To demonstrate the potential impact of unimodal sensors, we design a sleeve and a glove with the i-US that can capture wrist motions and finger movements. Therefore, we expect unimodal strain sensors to provide a turning point in developing motion recognition and control systems.
ISSN:2397-4621