Value Proposition
· Scalable sensor array capable of functioning in extreme environments, including in high radiation and underwater
· Resolves dynamic forces over a wide range
· Only requires a few interfacing wires regardless of the number of sensing units
· Provides simultaneous proprioceptive insights and force recordings with sub-millisecond latency
Unmet Need
· Tactile sensors have a large range of applications, including underwater object recognition, computer hardware, and mobile phones. Applications are particularly salient in outer space, where it is imperative to detect unexpected contacts with dangerous objects, explore tight spaces, and allow robots to grasp delicate samples. Tactile sensor arrays embed electronic processing within each tactile sensor through local multiplexing. However, integrating circuits at each sensing pixel limits density, robustness in extreme environments (including space/underwater), and is costly. To overcome these limitations, there is a strong unmet need for a tactile sensor that does not utilize integrated circuits.
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a self-powered scalable tactile sensor array, ResoSkin, that resolves dynamic forces over a wide range, operates in underwater and high-radiation environments, and provides high-density tactile sensorization with sub-millisecond latency. This is attained through resonance multiplexed piezoelectric structures. 1 wire is used for simultaneous asynchronous sensor communication.
Stage of Development
· Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated, with additional work being done to refine the technology.
Data Availability
· Data available upon request.
Publication
N/A
