The structure, material and performance of multi-functional tactile sensor and its application in robot field: A review

Abstract

Accurate feedback and response to external stimuli is the key to smart operation and human–computer interaction. Tactile function has always been one of the core of intelligent robot development. However, the perception of a single stimulus has been difficult to meet the needs of robot recognition, grasping and other functions. The development of flexible multi-functional tactile sensors with high sensitivity, wide detection range, fast dynamic response and good repeatability is the research goal of the group in recent years. Highly integrated tactile sensors with multi-response functions are becoming a major driving force for real-time robot feedback, analysis of environmental stimuli, and human–computer interaction. This paper reviews the material sensing mechanism, sensor design, performance and application of multi-functional tactile sensors with different sensing materials in robots, focuses on analyzing the differences of different sensing materials, and finally summarizes the application of different tactile sensors in robots, and points out the shortcomings and future challenges of multi-functional tactile sensors in the field of robots.