Large area and ultra-thin compliant strain sensors for prosthetic devices

The bending movement of the three interphalangeal joints of the finger were recorded simultaneously. The sensing elements (i.e. soft strain sensors) showed an outstanding linearity between the change of resistance and the strain during the finger bending, with a gauge factor of ∼1, repeatability and stability (>10,000 cycles), fast response and low creep, with negligible mechanical and electrical hysteresis. These sensors have a significant potential to establish prosthetic devices with built-in sensing elements, paving the way towards prosthetic limbs compatible with natural control.