Tsinghua University: Research on emerging intelligent flexible sensing systems driven by artificial intelligence (AI)

The continuous transformation of information technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, 5G/6G communication, and digital health has profoundly redefined our interaction with the physical world, making human life more interconnected and intelligent. The field of flexible sensing is the core of these transformative technologies, which can seamlessly integrate digital signals with physical space through various flexible sensors. These sensors typically have characteristics such as adaptability to irregular surfaces, durability under mechanical deformation, and sensitivity to external stimuli. Nowadays, the development of flexible devices is mainly reflected in two aspects. One is to shift from simple data collection to more intelligent systems. This mode shift emphasizes the development of flexible sensors from single functional components to more intelligent sensing systems, which can not only collect sensing information but also understand and interpret the surrounding environment. The second reason is the explosive growth in data volume brought about by the rapid development of big data and cloud computing technology. With the increasing diversity and complexity of data, there is a growing demand for efficient processing of massive and multi-level data. The above two requirements create opportunities for machines equipped with advanced algorithms and hardware architectures, and ultimately promote the development of adaptive artificial intelligence capable of undertaking these tasks. Represented by brain inspired algorithms (machine learning) and frameworks (artificial synapses), the continuous wave of artificial intelligence technology revolution has made intelligent flexible sensing systems increasingly possible.

The wave of artificial intelligence (AI) revolution has sparked unprecedented interest in intelligence in human society. As an important component connecting the physical world and digital signals, flexible sensors are gradually evolving from single sensing elements to more intelligent systems that can efficiently collect, analyze, and even perceive massive and multi-level data. Although the development of intelligent flexible sensing technology is challenging from the perspective of manual operation, the innovation of brain inspired artificial intelligence in algorithm (machine learning) and framework (artificial synapses) has greatly promoted the development of intelligent flexible sensing. Professors Zou Guisheng and Liu Lei from Tsinghua University, as well as Professor Wang Wenxian from Taiyuan University of Technology, summarized the latest progress of emerging artificial intelligence technologies in intelligent flexible sensing systems. Detailed introduction of the basic concepts of machine learning and artificial synapses. A comprehensive review of the new functions brought about by the integration of artificial intelligence and flexible sensing has greatly promoted the development of applications such as flexible sensing systems, soft/humanoid robots, and human activity monitoring. Finally, the main challenges and future opportunities faced by the deep integration of flexible sensing and artificial intelligence technology, which are the two most profound innovations of the 20th century, were discussed.