Summary |
This 3D-printed flexible tactile sensor features high sensitivity (867 kPa⁻¹), fast response (10 ms), and low power use (0.1 V). It is made in minutes (<10 minutes), with a unit cost below 100 NTD. The sensor is scalable, customizable, and fits curved surfaces. Applied in badminton grips and insoles, it enables real-time monitoring of grip and foot pressure, aiding training and injury prevention, with further potential in wearables and rehabilitation. |
Scientific Breakthrough |
This flexible tactile sensor overcomes limits of IMUs (e.g., Xsens), cameras (e.g., Vicon), and pressure insoles (e.g., Moticon). It directly senses force with high sensitivity (10,692 kPa⁻¹), fast response (0.09 s), and ultra-low power (0.1 V). Using DLP 3D printing, these sensors can be made in minutes at low cost (NTD 100/system). It’s thin, wearable, customizable, and enables real-time grip, step, and motion sensing in sports and rehab. Ideal for scalable, high-resolution smart wearables. |
Industrial Applicability |
The device targets sports analytics, wearable health, rehabilitation, soft robotics, and smart insoles/gloves. It features customizable size and shape, flexible and lightweight form, and a digital pipeline for rapid tuning. Commercialization includes:
Phase 1 – athlete testing;
Phase 2 – OEM with sports/wearable brands;
Phase 3 – scaling via modular kits (4×4, 8×8), custom services (e.g., insoles), and real-time |