Xie Yu, Pan Jing, Yu Longteng, Fang Hubiao, Yu Shaoliang, Zhou Ning, Tong Limin, Zhang Lei
Research Center for Frontier Fundamental Studies, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
Research Center for Humanoid Sensing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
Adv Sci (Weinh). 2024 Dec;11(45):e2404343. doi: 10.1002/advs.202404343. Epub 2024 Oct 8.
Tactile sensors with capability of multiaxial force perception play a vital role in robotics and human-machine interfaces. Flexible optical waveguide sensors have been an emerging paradigm in tactile sensing due to their high sensitivity, fast response, and antielectromagnetic interference. Herein, a flexible multiaxial force sensor enabled by U-shaped optical micro/nanofibers (MNFs) is reported. The MNF is embedded within an elastomer film topped with a dome-shaped protrusion. When the protrusion is subjected to vector forces, the embedded MNF undergoes anisotropic deformations, yielding time-resolved variations in light transmission. Detection of both normal and shear forces is achieved with sensitivities reaching 50.7 dB N (14% kPa) and 82.2 dB N (21% kPa), respectively. Notably, the structural asymmetry of the MNF induces asymmetrical optical modes, granting the sensor directional responses to four-directional shear forces. As proof-of-concept applications, tactile visualizations for texture and relief pattern recognition are realized with a spatial resolution of 160 µm. Moreover, a dual U-shaped MNF configuration is demonstrated as a human-machine interface for cursor manipulation. This work represents a step towards advanced multiaxial tactile sensing.
具有多轴力感知能力的触觉传感器在机器人技术和人机界面中发挥着至关重要的作用。柔性光波导传感器因其高灵敏度、快速响应和抗电磁干扰能力，已成为触觉传感领域的一种新兴模式。在此，报道了一种由U形光学微/纳米纤维（MNF）制成的柔性多轴力传感器。MNF嵌入在顶部带有圆顶形突起的弹性体薄膜中。当突起受到矢量力作用时，嵌入的MNF会发生各向异性变形，导致光传输随时间变化。分别以50.7 dB/N（14% kPa）和82.2 dB/N（21% kPa）的灵敏度实现了法向力和剪切力的检测。值得注意的是，MNF的结构不对称性会诱导不对称光学模式，使传感器对四个方向的剪切力具有方向响应。作为概念验证应用，实现了用于纹理和浮雕图案识别的触觉可视化，空间分辨率为160 µm。此外，还展示了一种双U形MNF配置作为用于光标操作的人机界面。这项工作代表了向先进多轴触觉传感迈出的一步。
