Sensors for Robotic Applications

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "A:Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 1430

Special Issue Editors

School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Interests: nano-scale functional devices and manufacturing technology; swimming microrobots; biochemical sensors

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Guest Editor
School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Interests: silicon-based gas sensor; low-temperature gas sensor; sensing material
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Interests: BioMEMS; lab-on-a-chip; biosensing; additive manufacturing; artificial photosynthesis; synthetic biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Analysis and Testing Center, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Interests: 2D materials; MXenes; nanoparticles; flexible sensors; microfluidic chips

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

The development of sensors for robotic applications has been driven by increasing demands for high-performance and versatile robotic systems that can operate in diverse environments and perform a wide range of tasks. Robotic applications range from industrial automation and manufacturing to space exploration, medical robotics, and service robotics, among other things. The use of sensors in robotics is essential for enabling robots to perceive and interact with their surroundings and perform tasks with precision and accuracy. The field of sensors for robotic applications has evolved significantly over the years, with developments in sensor technology and the integration of sensors with other technologies (such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and control systems). In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing sensors that can mimic the sensing capabilities of biological systems, such as the sense of touch and vision, to enhance the performance and functionality of robotic systems.

One of the key trends in sensor technology for robotics is the development of sensors that can operate in harsh and extreme environments, such as high temperatures, radiation, or underwater environments. These sensors enable robotic systems to perform tasks in environments that are inaccessible or hazardous for humans. Another trend is the integration of sensors with artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, enabling robots to learn from sensor data and adapt to changing environments and tasks. This approach has promoted the development of intelligent robotic systems that can perform complex tasks with high accuracy and efficiency.

In conclusion, the field of sensors for robotic applications is rapidly evolving, with new developments and opportunities emerging in areas such as bio-inspired sensors, extreme environment sensors, and the integration of sensor data with AI and machine learning. This presents exciting prospects for the future of robotic systems and their applications in various industries and domains.

Dr. Qiang Zou
Dr. Yuxiang Qin
Dr. Xiang Ren
Dr. Tao Xue
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • sensors
  • robotics
  • industrial applications
  • medical applications
  • military applications
  • vision sensors
  • force sensors
  • proximity sensors
  • navigation
  • localization

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

10 pages, 2553 KiB  
Article
Flexible Pressure Sensors Based on Microcrack Structure and Composite Conductive Mechanism for Medical Robotic Applications
by Qiang Zou, Yuheng Xie, Yunjiang Yin, Baoguo Liu and Yi Yu
Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061110 - 25 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219
Abstract
With the advancement of intelligent medical robot technology, machine touch utilizing flexible sensors has emerged as a prominent research area. In this study, a flexible resistive pressure sensor was designed incorporating a microcrack structure with air pores and a composite conductive mechanism of [...] Read more.
With the advancement of intelligent medical robot technology, machine touch utilizing flexible sensors has emerged as a prominent research area. In this study, a flexible resistive pressure sensor was designed incorporating a microcrack structure with air pores and a composite conductive mechanism of silver/carbon. The aim was to achieve enhanced stability and sensitivity with the inclusion of macro through-holes (1–3 mm) to expand the sensitive range. This technology solution was specifically applied to the machine touch system of the B-ultrasound robot. Through meticulous experimentation, it was determined that the optimal approach involved uniformly blending ecoflex and nano carbon powder at a mass ratio of 5:1, and subsequently combining the mixture with an ethanol solution of silver nanowires (AgNWs) at a mass ratio of 6:1. This combination of components resulted in the fabrication of a pressure sensor with optimal performance. Under the pressure testing condition of 5 kPa, a comparison of the resistance change rate was conducted among samples using the optimal formulation from the three processes. It was evident that the sample of ecoflex-C-AgNWs/ethanol solution exhibited the highest sensitivity. Its sensitivity was increased by 19.5% compared to the sample (ecoflex-C) and by 11.3% compared to the sample (ecoflex-C-ethanol). The sample (ecoflex-C-AgNWs/ethanol solution), which only incorporated internal air pore microcracks without through-holes, exhibited sensitive response to pressures below 5 N. However, with the addition of through-holes, the measurement range of its sensitive response increased to 20 N, representing a 400% increase in the measurement range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Robotic Applications)
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