Large area all-elastomer capacitive tactile arrays

Abstract

This work demonstrates the first low cost, allelastomer capacitive tactile arrays compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing. A new manufacturing process has been developed in which elastomer sheets are covered with a stencil, spray coated with conductive elastomer on one or both sides, and stacked to create the sensor array. These arrays are highly flexible and can withstand large strains. Sensor costs are below $0.05/sensor in small quantities. The fabrication process results in a slightly curved sensor so the change in capacitance is highly nonlinear at low pressures, but approaches theoretical sensitivities of approximately 5 fF/kPa at higher pressures. Sensor resolution was measured to be less than 20 Pa and data taken from an array of sensors demonstrates the detection of multiple force contact points.