Thin flexible pressure sensors

Abstract

This article gives an overview on the currently available techniques for the measurement of interface pressure or force between (soft) objects. These techniques make use of single sensor elements as well as integrated arrays of sensors to obtain pressure maps. Most of these devices originate from biomedical applications such as the evaluation of wheelchairs and the prevention of pressure ulcers in hospital beds. Today, these technologies are used in a wide range of applications such as computer peripherals, robotics, automotive systems and consumer electronics. These typical applications are considered in the first section. Next, the sensor technologies (and their suppliers) are briefly described and compared. The list of suppliers and technologies is intended as an overview and may not be complete. Finally, new developments in this field are discussed.