Why was a multi-resolution flexible pressure sensor developed?

Human skin does not have the same tactile resolution across the body. Conventional flexible sensors require sensing materials and electrodes to be patterned for a fixed sensor density, making it difficult to change spatial resolution on one platform. The researchers used anisotropically aligned nickel particles in an elastomer matrix, so combining the film with electrodes of different pitches produced different spatial resolutions from a single platform, up to 100 dpi.

How was Kitronyx MC1600 used in the research?

MC1600 served as the multi-channel signal acquisition controller. The developed sensor was connected to MC1600, which collected the electrical responses from multiple sensing points. The acquired data were then visualized as spatial pressure distribution, allowing the researchers to evaluate contact location, shape and distribution across the sensing area.

What performance did the flexible pressure sensor demonstrate?

The study reports a maximum spatial resolution of 100 dpi, a working pressure range up to 373 kPa, a response time of approximately 12 ms, a recovery time of approximately 20 ms, and cyclic testing over 2,000 compression cycles. Detection ranged from about 30 Pa for liquid droplets to about 300 kPa for plantar pressure. These values describe the sensor developed by the researchers, not the specifications of the MC1600 controller.

Is the Kitronyx MC1600 still available?

The MC1600 used in this study has been discontinued. Kitronyx currently offers the Baikal II series for pressure mapping applications.

What applications can this pressure mapping approach be used for?

Flexible pressure sensors, electronic skin, robotic tactile sensors, wearable sensing devices, custom-developed sensor materials and matrix-type tactile sensors.