Flexible unimodal strain sensors for human motion detection and differentiation

Abstract Multiple strain sensors are required to identify individual forces/stresses on human joints and recognize how they work together in order to determine the motion’s direction and trajectory. However, current sensors cannot detect and differentiate the individual forces/stresses and their contributions to the motion from the sensors’ electrical signals. To address this critical issue, we propose a concept of unimodal tension, bend, shear, and twist strain sensors with piezoelectric poly L-lactic acid films. We then construct an integrated unimodal sensor (i-US) using the unimodal sensors and prove that the i-US can detect and differentiate individual strain modes, such as tensioning, bending, shearing, and twisting in complex motion. To demonstrate the potential impact of unimodal sensors, we design a sleeve and a glove with the i-US that can capture wrist motions and finger movements. Therefore, we expect unimodal strain sensors to provide a turning point in developing motion recognition and control systems.