Fabrication of Pressure Sensor Using Electrospinning Method for Robotic Tactile Sensing Application

Abstract

Tactile sensors are widely used by the robotics industries over decades to measure force or pressure produced by external stimuli. Piezoelectric-based pressure sensors have intensively been investigated as promising candidates for tactile sensing applications. In contrast, piezoelectric-based pressure sensors are expensive due to their high cost of manufacturing and expensive base materials. Recently, an effect similar to the piezoelectric effect has been identified in non-piezoelectric polymers such as poly(d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene. Hence investigations were conducted on alternative materials to find their suitability. In this article, we used inexpensive atactic polystyrene (aPS) as the base polymer and fabricated functional fibers using an electrospinning method. Fiber morphologies were studied using a field-emission scanning electron microscope and proposed a unique pressure sensor fabrication method. A fabricated pressure sensor was subjected to different pressures and corresponding electrical and mechanical characteristics were analyzed. An open circuit voltage of 3.1 V was generated at 19.9 kPa applied pressure, followed by an integral output charge (ΔQ), which was measured to calculate the average apparent piezoelectric constant dapp and was found to be 12.9 ± 1.8 pC N−1. A fabricated pressure sensor was attached to a commercially available robotic arm to mimic the tactile sensing.

Flexible and Stretchable Pressure Sensors: From Basic Principles to State-of-the-Art Applications

“…These sensors play a vital role in robotics and prosthetics, facilitating the development of more advanced and responsive robotic systems and prosthetic limbs. Embedded within robotic hands [ 110 ], grippers [ 111 ], and prosthetic limbs, they provide tactile sensing capabilities, enabling robots and amputees to perceive and respond to touch and pressure [ 112 ]. By detecting and measuring forces exerted on surfaces or objects, these sensors enhance the grasping and manipulation abilities of robots and provide amputees with enhanced proprioception, allowing for more natural and intuitive control of prosthetic limbs.…”

Electrospun Micro/Nanofiber-Based Biomechanical Sensors

“…Also, this method allows processing management at every stage of preparation, ultimately contributing to the superior piezoelectric performance of electrospun micro/nanofibers. In short, the electrospinning technique provides a solution for the development of efficient piezoelectric polymer membranes. − Extensive efforts have been dedicated to improving the piezoelectric effect of electrospun polymer micro/nanofibers, leading to a remarkable progress in this recently . For instance, Gu et al fabricated a PU/poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibrous membrane by electrospinning which is subsequently utilized to develop a piezoelectric sensor.…”

Bioinspired Flexible Capacitive Sensor for Robot Positioning in Unstructured Environments

“…In addition, the sensor has the ability to sense tactile pressure like biological skin by measuring capacitance rise from the electrode and dielectric layer compression. Among the multimaterial methods for manufacturing tactile sensors, advanced processes such as high-temperature selective laser sintering (HT-SLS), 3D printing, and electrospinning have great application prospects. Based on the characteristics of the raw materials, we use the coating process to achieve the composite of the two materials.…”