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Flexible and Stretchable Strain Sensing Actuator for Wearable Soft Robotic Applications
Author(s) -
Yeo Joo Chuan,
Yap Hong Kai,
Xi Wang,
Wang Zhiping,
Yeow ChenHua,
Lim Chwee Teck
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
advanced materials technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.184
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2365-709X
DOI - 10.1002/admt.201600018
Subject(s) - actuator , soft robotics , pneumatic actuator , gauge factor , elastomer , materials science , strain gauge , stretchable electronics , wearable computer , piezoresistive effect , bending , flexibility (engineering) , mechanical engineering , acoustics , computer science , engineering , electrical engineering , optoelectronics , composite material , artificial intelligence , embedded system , electronics , medicine , statistics , alternative medicine , mathematics , physics , pathology , fabrication
Despite the emergence of flexible and stretchable actuators, few possess sensing capabilities. Here, we present a facile method of integrating a flexible pneumatic actuator with stretchable strain sensor to form a soft sensorized actuator. The elastomeric actuator comprises a microchannel connected to a controlled air source to achieve bending. The strain sensor comprises a thin layer of screen‐printed silver nanoparticles on an elastomeric substrate to achieve its stretchability and flexibility while maintaining excellent conductivity at ≈8 Ω sq –1 . By printing a mesh network of conductive structures, our strain sensor is able to detect deformations beyond 20% with a high gauge factor beyond 50 000. The integration of a pneumatic soft actuator with our sensing element enables the measurement of the extent of actuator bending. To demonstrate its potential as a rehabilitation sensing actuator, we fit the sensorized actuator in a glove to further analyze finger kinematics. With this, we are able to detect irregular movement patterns in real time and assess finger stiffness or dexterity.