Issue 38, 2024

Next-generation wearable sensors: toward multi-directional strain sensing in sensory integration platforms

Abstract

Wearable technologies and flexible electronics have developed rapidly owing to the emergence of cutting-edge cross-disciplines. The flexibility and tunable properties of organic materials enable wearable sensory systems to adapt to complex surface deformations and detect physiological signals sensitively. The demand for high-performance strain sensors, to accurately detect complex movements and environmental changes, in wearable technology has increased notably. However, current sensors primarily detect strain in a single direction, which restricts their effectiveness in detecting multi-directional strains, such as in natural human movements or robotic joints. In this review, we examine the advances and future challenges that may arise in the development of strain sensors that can measure both the magnitude and direction of external tensile strain. Additionally, we examine the sensor materials (platform and sensing materials) required to develop a strain sensor to detect the direction of tension, structural research on strain sensors, and various application fields such as human motion detection and human–machine interaction via system integration. Finally, we discuss the prospects and current challenges involved in the development of direction-selective strain sensors for wearable smart electronic systems or electronic skin. This review should provide a comprehensive reference for future technologies.

Graphical abstract: Next-generation wearable sensors: toward multi-directional strain sensing in sensory integration platforms

Transparent peer review

To support increased transparency, we offer authors the option to publish the peer review history alongside their article.

View this article’s peer review history

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
26 Jun 2024
Accepted
03 Aug 2024
First published
18 Sep 2024

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024,12, 15310-15338

Next-generation wearable sensors: toward multi-directional strain sensing in sensory integration platforms

T. Hwang, D. Tsogbayar, Vanessa, H. H. Choi and H. S. Lee, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024, 12, 15310 DOI: 10.1039/D4TC02692F

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements