Multiscale artificial spider web for comprehensive pressure sensing and human-machine interaction.

Research overview

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Flexible pressure sensors are key components of Internet of Things systems for monitoring environmental and physiological signals, yet simultaneously achieving a high sensitivity, a fast response time, and a high mechanical durability remains challenging owing to the lack of sophisticated structural designs that balance sensing performance and robustness. Here, we demonstrate a multiscale artificial spider web (MASW) fabricated via copper-mesh-assisted electrospinning of biodegradable polylactic acid, forming a nanofiber network that efficiently transmits stress while enhancing mechanical stability. The resulting pressure sensor simultaneously shows a high sensitivity of 39.85 [kPa]-1, a fast response of 42 ms and high durability over 6000 loading cycles, enabling reliable and versatile neural-network-assisted real-time monitoring of multiple physiological signals, including pulse, breathing, and vocalization. Furthermore, leveraging precise joint movement signal acquisition, a human-machine interaction system was developed with potential applications in fine motor rehabilitation for Parkinson's disease, suggesting strong promise for sustainable healthcare and IoT systems.

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