A flexible strain sensor based on CNTs/PDMS microspheres for human motion detection

•CNTs/PDMS microspheres were obtained by the Pickering emulsion.•The as-prepared CNTs/PDMS microspheres were proved complete morphologies and a uniform distribution which would serve for the electrical, mechanical and sensing performance.•The encapsulating materials (PDMS) was the same as that of the core of the as-prepared CNTs/PDMS microspheres.•The strain sensor based on the as-prepared CNTs/PDMS microspheres exhibited excellent human-motion monitoring performance.