Tooth-Inspired Tactile Sensor for Detection of Multidirectional Force

Area of Science:

• Biomimetics and Sensor Technology
• Materials Science and Engineering

Background:

• Tactile sensors are crucial for robotic manipulation and human-computer interaction.
• Existing sensors often lack the sensitivity or robustness required for complex tasks.
• Biomimicry offers innovative design principles for enhanced sensor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel tactile sensor inspired by tooth anatomy.
• To evaluate the sensor's sensitivity and reliability in detecting applied loads.
• To assess the sensor's performance under cyclic loading conditions.

Main Methods:

• A sensor prototype was constructed with a central pole, acrylic base, and viscoelastic silicone elastomer.
• Four strain gauges were integrated three-dimensionally around the pole to measure deformation.
• Load application experiments were conducted to assess direction detection and sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity (0.016 mm⁻¹ and 0.313 N⁻¹) to applied loads.
• Consistent sine-curve patterns in resistance change confirmed reliable load direction detection.
• The sensor maintained consistent amplitude response after repeated loading-unloading cycles (0.05–0.25 Hz).

Conclusions:

• The tooth-inspired tactile sensor exhibits excellent reliability and sensitivity for load detection.
• The sensor's robust performance under cyclic loading suggests suitability for dynamic applications.
• This biomimetic design offers a promising approach for advanced tactile sensing.