All-in-one tactile sensor with event-driven operation and in-sensor modulation

Tactile sensors are essential to human–machine interaction. However, current technologies still face key challenges, including energy supply, electrode redundancy, and signal crosstalk. This work proposes an all-in-one tactile sensor with event-driven operation and in-sensor modulation (ATS-EI). ATS-EI consists of frequency-division responsive materials, allowing it to use the alternating current (AC) signal generated by the coupling of the human body with the power frequency electric fields as the signal source. By modulating the AC signal within the sensor, ATS-EI senses continuous stimulation position with a single electrode interface. Notably, ATS-EI operates in an event-driven mechanism, triggered only when electromagnetic coupling occurs upon skin contact. It is demonstrated that ATS-EI can adapt to different environments, and exhibit an extremely low pressure detection limits (<0.015 N), fast response time (≈20 ms), and excellent durability (>300 000 cycles). The all-in-one sensor, which is power free, uses single electrode and is crosstalk-free, paves a new path for tactile sensors.