Stretchable e-Skins for Future Human-Caring Robots

The development of stretchable electronic skins (e-skins) has opened new frontiers in the integration of human-like tactile sensing into robots, enabling robots to perform safe and effective physical interactions with humans in healthcare, caregiving, and rehabilitation environments. We introduce a new pressure sensing mechanism, named Stretchable Hybrid Response Pressure Sensor (SHRPS), that combines piezoresistivity and piezocapacitivity to offer ultrahigh pressure sensitivity across a wide pressure range, while maintaining accurate pressure readings even under significant lateral stretch. Unlike traditional stretchable tactile sensors, SHRPS is also minimally affected by environmental factors such as moisture and temperature, ensuring consistent and reliable pressure readings in diverse conditions. One of the most promising applications of SHRPS is its integration into inflatable probes mounted on robotic end effectors. These probes enable conventional robots to safely and effectively perform human-caring tasks such as pulse and blood pressure monitoring, wipe cleaning human skin, and providing therapeutic massages. With its ability to accurately detect pressure despite stretch and environmental perturbations, SHRPS ensures precision in these delicate interactions, making it a vital component in the future of caregiving and human-assisting robots.