Multimodal tactile perception is crucial for enhancing the perceptual experience in augmented reality applications. However, so far, although researchers have developed some artificial tactile interfaces to sense pressure and pre contact signals, quantifying the modulus for simultaneously detecting object type and softness remains challenging

To address this issue, a team led by Zi Yunlong/Xia Xin from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and Yang Xiya from Jinan University recently proposed a hemispherical dual-mode intelligent tactile sensor (BITS) array that utilizes the frictional electric effect, inspired by the bell shaped receptors on insect antennae. The system has functions such as softness recognition, modulus quantification, and material type recognition. The basic principle of sensors is that due to the different deformability of materials, when in contact with the measured object, BITS will generate a unique frictional electrical output fingerprint.In addition, due to different electron affinities, BITS arrays can accurately identify material types (with an accuracy of 99.4%), facilitating flexibility identification (with an accuracy of 100%) and modulus quantification. BITS based on frictional electric effect has the potential for miniaturization and can provide real-time and accurate tactile information as an artificial antenna for human-machine integration applications.

Source: Sensor Expert Network