Many organisms and animals have sensing abilities that are different from those of human beings; for example, snakes have strong smell-, vibration-, touch-and heat-sensing abilities. A nature-mimicking sensing platform capable of sensing multiple stimuli, such as strain, pressure, temperature and other uncorrelated conditions, is highly desirable to broaden the applications of sensors. Here, we construct a semitransparent intelligent skin-like sensing platform based on polyaniline (PANI) nanowire arrays that can act as a bionic component by simultaneously sensing tactile stimuli and detecting colorless, odorless gas. Our multifunctional bionic sensing strategy is remarkably adaptive for versatile applications. The strain-sensing performance is superior to that of most conducting polymer-based sensors reported so far and is comparable to or even better than traditional metal and carbon nanowire/nanotube-based strain sensors. The highest gauge factor demonstrated is 149, making our system a remarkable candidate for strain-sensing applications. The sensor can accurately detect a wide range of human motions. We also demonstrate the simultaneous controlled olfaction ability for the detection of methane with high sensitivity and a fast response time. These results enable the realization of multifunctional and uncorrelated sensing capabilities, which will afford a wide range of applications to augment robotics, treatment, simulated skin, health monitoring and bionic systems. NPG Asia Materials (2017) 9, e437; doi:10.1038/am.2017.181; published online 13 October 2017 INTRODUCTION Stretchable and wearable electronics have been extensively investigated for a broad range of applications, including electronic skins, flexible displays, health-monitoring devices and energy-harvesting devices. [1][2][3][4] Breakthroughs have been made in the theoretical and practical aspects of these related technologies. Meanwhile, it is highly attractive to integrate more functionalities and novel features into one device for smart and multifunctional systems by mimicking complex biological systems. Among the various complex biological systems, snakes are unique legless reptiles with elongated bodies covered in overlapping scales. Most snakes use stretchable belly scales to travel by gripping surfaces and have strong olfactory capabilities to track prey. The skin and olfactory organ can collect external stimuli and output bioelectrical signals to the nervous system/brain. In practical applications, artificial e-skin capable of sensing multiple stimuli, such as strain, pressure, vibration, temperature and other uncorrelated conditions, is highly desirable. Despite the promise of these systems, only limited successful examples of stretchable sensors that perceive force and chemical stimuli have been reported. [5][6][7] To achieve high-performance artificial e-skin, the directional design and fabrication of conductive sensing channel materials are prerequisites. Tailored materials in the sensing channel with specific nanostructures can meet cri...