PNIPU: Tactile polymer coating with built-in network of fiber optic sensors

2022: Development of an electromechanical model of a tactile polymer coating with an integrated fiber optic sensor

Perm Polytechnic scientists have developed an electromechanical model of a tactile polymer coating with a built-in fiber optic sensor. On its surface there is a layer of special villi - "vibriss," which allow you to "feel" the surrounding objects. The development can be used to create domestic humanoid robots, bionic prostheses and artificial organs. This was announced on November 10, 2022 by Perm Polytechnic.

The tactile coating can take various forms and is a flexible thin polymer layer with an integrated network of fiber optic sensors. They convert touch information into optical signals to transmit over fiber to "artificial intelligence." In the future, the coating can be used as artificial skin of humanoid robots, in bionic prostheses and artificial organs. The technology will make their tactile sensations real. By determining the properties of the object, the robot will be able to accurately calculate the necessary and sufficient force for its retention and subsequent actions, explained the project manager, professor of the Department of Mechanics of Composite Materials and Structures of the Perm Polytechnic, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Andrey Pankov.

According to the developers, the tactile polymer coating is based on the use of a "mechanoluminescent effect" - light output when mechanically affecting a system of piezoelectric and electroluminescent elements. At contact with analyzed objects, villi are deformed and informative mechanical actions are performed on corresponding sections of housing and built-in fibre-optic mechanoluminescent sensor. In the activated areas of the sensor, light is transmitted inside the fiber. This makes it possible to transmit informative light signals over long distances for their subsequent "decryption." Such a transmission method has features compared to analogues in which the deformation of the villi is "read" by a high-speed photo and video recording system.

Scientists of the Perm Polytechnic examined the deformation and electrical fields that are formed during this process in the elements of the tactile coating: villi, the case and the fiber-optic mechanoluminescent sensor built into it. The electromechanical model made it possible to identify the dependence of informative light signals on the tactile "sensations" of the coating when the villi come into contact with objects.

The development of researchers will be able to increase the sensitivity of measuring instruments with sensory coatings and become the "second" skin for humanoid robots, bionic prostheses and artificial organs. The technology will make their tactile sensations real when perceived by the outside world.

Scientists published the results of the work in the Journal of Radio Electronics (2022).