Wireless pressure monitoring system utilizing a 3D-printed Origami pressure sensor array

We present here a 3D-printed pressure mapping mat, equipped with customizable architecture sensors, that offers a cost-effective and adaptable solution, overcoming the size constraints and sensing accuracy issues commonly associated with existing commercial pressure mats across various fields, such as healthcare and sports applications. Leveraging a pillar-origami structure, the demonstrated sensor offers multifaceted stiffness properties, effectively filtering skin deformations and enabling capacitive pressure sensing. Notably, the sensor’s detection range can be finely tuned, spanning from 70 to 2500 kPa, with a sensitivity range between 0.01 kPa-1 and 0.0002 kPa-1, and an impressive response time of just 800 milliseconds. Furthermore, the inclusion of a modular sensor array enhances maintenance and allows for greater flexibility in shaping and enhancing the device’s resolution. This technology finds practical applications in wireless foot pressure mapping and sports protection pads, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of flexible and custom-shaped pressure sensor technology.