A Liquid Microfluidics Twist On Flexible Sensors

Unlike typical rigid or solid-state wearable sensors, this version developed by Singaporean researchers uses liquid microfluidics.

AsianScientist (Oct. 6, 2015) – A team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Engineering has developed a wearable liquid-based microfluidic tactile sensor that is small, thin, highly flexible and durable.

Simple and cost-effective to produce, this novel device is very suitable for applications such as soft robotics, wearable consumer electronics, smart medical prosthetic devices, as well as real-time healthcare monitoring.

Tactile sensors are data acquisition devices that detect and measure a diversity of properties arising from physical interaction and translate the information acquired to be analysed by an interconnected intelligent system.

Conventional tactile sensors that are available today are typically rigid and in solid-state form, restricting various natural body movements when used and may also be subjected to plastic deformation and failure when pressure is exerted, resulting in compromises in conformability, durability and overall robustness.

Instead, the team of researchers led by Professor Lim Chwee Teck from NUS’ Department of Biomedical Engineering adopted a liquid-based pressure sensing method. Their newly developed microfluidic tactile sensor is fabricated on a flexible substrate like silicone rubber and uses a non-corrosive, non-toxic 2D nanomaterial suspension in liquid form as the pressure sensing element to recognize force-induced changes.

The team has put the device through rigorous tests and also subjected it to various strenuous deformations, such as pressing, bending or stretching, to validate the robustness and versatility of its invention. In fact, despite having placed the device under extreme abusive mechanical force, such as running a car tyre over it, the electrical output was highly uniformed and there was no damage to the functionality of the device.

The team’s invention will further advance the applications of tactile sensors, which are already increasingly utilized for monitoring critical parameters in biomedical applications, especially for those that may come in contact with human skin or where human movement is highly versatile.

“This liquid-based microfluidic tactile sensor, which is the first of its kind, addresses an existing gap in the market. Being thin and flexible, the sensor gives a better fit when monitoring natural body movements. Its small size, durability and ease of production further differentiate this novel device from conventional tactile sensors,” Lim said.

“With the rapid advancement of healthcare and biomedical technologies as well as consumer electronics, we are optimistic about new possibilities to commercialize our invention.”

The researchers have already filed a patent for its creation and are keen to explore licensing partnerships in commercial development.

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Source: National University of Singapore.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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