Gel Mechanoreceptor Sensor Inspired by Merkel Disk

The tactile sensor existing in human skin is a complex and efficient biosensor. Many researchers have been inspired by skin sensors and have manufactured advanced tactile sensors through the development of various materials and structures. In this study, the signal types of slow adapting (SA) and rapid adapting (RA), which are one of the characteristics of the skin sensor, were analyzed according to the material and structure of sensors. Also, the optimization process was described. For the experiments poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFe) gel was used to manufacture the self-powered sensor, and copper and Ag wire were used as electrodes. For pressure sensing, PVC gel electrolyte adding ionic liquid was prepared and used. Basically, PVDF-TrFe gel and PVC gel were applied to obtain RA and SA signals, respectively. We tried to optimize the sensor sensitivity through the optimization of PVC ion gel electrolyte.