3D dual-mode tactile sensor with decoupled temperature and pressure sensing: Toward biological skins for wearable devices and smart robotics

The potential of wearable devices and smart robotics stands to be greatly enhanced by the development of dualmode sensors emulating human skin functionality. However, challenges in their realization and the mitigation of crosstalk issues from concurrent signals persist. We present a pressure-temperature-tactile sensor (PTTS) built upon a 3D porous structure and conductive nanocomposites encompassing graphene, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, silicone rubber, and polyaniline. The PTTS showcases a pressure detection range from 0 to 110 kPa, pressure sensitivity at 0.3488 kPa-1, a low-pressure detection threshold of 186 Pa, and temperature sensitivity up to 21.5 mu V/K. Crucially, the PTTS effectively untangles the dual functions of pressure and temperature sensing, thus mitigating crosstalk. It achieves computer communication through Morse code, enabling efficient demonstrations of human-computer interaction. Furthermore, the sensor accurately captures human motion while concurrently gauging ambient temperature without signal interference. Our device introduces an innovative avenue for non-contact sensing and human-computer interaction across applications, underscoring its potential to revolutionize wearable devices and smart robotics, consequently impacting diverse industries.