Tactile Sensor with a Structured 3D Printed Cover and Laser-Isolated Tactels

Abstract

Tactile sensors are a sort of artificial skin. Therefore, they should be able to detect static pressure patterns but also dynamic events such as those involved in slippage detection or texture recognition. A suitable shaping of the cover of the sensor can improve the response to this stimulus. This paper addresses this goal for a raw piezo-resistive sensor with a structured cover made with a 3D printer, and laser-isolated tactels to reduce crosstalk effects. Simulations and experimental results show design aspects and performance of the so obtained sensor.