Flexible High‐Resolution Triboelectric Sensor Array Based on Patterned Laser‐Induced Graphene for Self‐Powered Real‐Time Tactile Sensing

TLDR

Flexible tactile sensors are sought for AI, prosthetics, healthcare, and HMI, yet achieving high‑resolution devices without costly, complex manufacturing remains a challenge. The study develops a flexible, high‑resolution triboelectric sensor array for self‑powered, real‑time tactile sensing using a mask‑free laser direct‑writing method. The array is fabricated by laser‑induced graphene electrodes arranged in complementary semicircular patterns to form a 16×16, 8‑dpi sensor, and a 9‑digit LIG‑based triboelectric nanogenerator panel enables wireless HMI control. The self‑powered TSA shows durable, synchronous operation, enabling real‑time visualization of multipoint touch, sliding, and motion tracking, and demonstrates promise for active tactile sensing, wireless HMI, and security identification.

Abstract

Abstract Flexible tactile sensors are garnering substantial interest for various promising applications, including artificial intelligence, prosthetics, healthcare monitoring, and human–machine interactions (HMI). However, it still remains a critical challenge in developing high‐resolution tactile sensors without involving high‐cost and complicated manufacturing processes. Herein, a flexible high‐resolution triboelectric sensing array (TSA) for self‐powered real‐time tactile sensing is developed through a facile, mask‐free, high‐efficient, and environmentally friendly laser direct writing technique. A 16 × 16 pixelated TSA with a resolution of 8 dpi based on patterned laser‐induced graphene (LIG) electrodes (7 Ω sq −1 ) is fabricated by the complementary intersection overlapping between upper and lower aligned semicircular electrode arrays. With the especially patterning design, the complexity of TSA and the number of data channels is reduced. Meanwhile, the TSA platform exhibits excellent durability and synchronicity and enables the achievement of real‐time visualization of multipoint touch, sliding, and tracking motion trajectory without power consumption. Furthermore, a smart wireless controlled HMI system, composed of a 9‐digital arrayed touch panel based on a LIG‐patterned triboelectric nanogenerator, is constructed to control personal electronics wirelessly. Consequently, the self‐powered TSA as a promising platform demonstrates great potential for an active real‐time tactile sensing system, wireless controlled HMI, security identification and, many others.