Bio‐Inspired Artificial Fast‐Adaptive and Slow‐Adaptive Mechanoreceptors With Synapse‐Like Functions

Abstract

Abstract Development of artificial mechanoreceptors capable of sensing and pre‐processing external mechanical stimuli is a crucial step toward constructing neuromorphic perception systems that can learn and store information. Here, bio‐inspired artificial fast‐adaptive (FA) and slow‐adaptive (SA) mechanoreceptors with synapse‐like functions are demonstrated for tactile perception. These mechanoreceptors integrate self‐powered piezoelectric pressure sensors with synaptic electrolyte‐gated field‐effect transistors (EGFETs) featuring a reduced graphene oxide channel. The FA pressure sensor is based on a piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) thin film, while the SA pressure sensor is enabled by a piezoelectric ionogel with the piezoelectric‐ionic coupling effect based on P(VDF‐TrFE) and an ionic liquid. Changes in post‐synaptic current are achieved through the synaptic effect of the EGFET by regulating the amplitude, number, duration, and frequency of tactile stimuli (pre‐synaptic pulses). These devices have great potential to serve as artificial biological mechanoreceptors for future artificial neuromorphic perception systems.