Flexible micro/nanopatterned pressure tactile sensors: technologies, morphology and applications

Abstract

Recently, pressure tactile sensors have attracted extensive attention owing to their potential applications in wearable health monitors, human-machine interfaces and intelligent robotics. Research studies on pressure tactile sensors focus on advanced materials, structure designs and fabrication methods. Micro/nanostructures can enhance the sensing performance of tactile pressure sensors because they can lead to more contact stress and strain concentration and enable the efficient conversion of physical stimuli into electrical signals. Recent advances in micro/nanotechnology have improved the performance of pressure tactile sensors, surpassing the tactile sensing ability of human skin. Therefore, efforts have been devoted to improving the performance of pressure tactile sensors by designing different micro/nanostructures and working mechanisms. Herein, various pathways for constructing different micro/nanostructures for pressure tactile sensors are summarized, and the advantages, disadvantages and practical values of different micro/nanostructures in different working mechanisms of flexible tactile sensors are systematically elaborated. Finally, the future potential applications of micro/nanopatterned pressure tactile sensors (MTS) are discussed.