Proximity Sensing Electronic Skin: Principles, Characteristics, and Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Robotics and Human-Machine Systems
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Growing demand for non-contact sensing technologies, amplified by infectious disease concerns (e.g., COVID-19).
• Electronic skin (e-skin) offers advanced capabilities for proximity detection without physical contact.
• Existing e-skin research shows potential in human-robot interaction and remote health monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review recent advancements in proximity sensing electronic skin technology.
• To explore the principles, characteristics, and applications of single- and dual-type proximity sensors.
• To highlight the significance of flexible proximity sensors in key technological domains.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on proximity sensing electronic skin.
• Categorization of sensors based on type (single- and dual-type) and characteristics (large area, multifunctionality, strain, self-healing).
• Analysis of application-specific research in human-robot collaboration, human-machine interfaces, and remote monitoring.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in developing large-area, multifunctional, strain-accommodating, and self-healing single-type proximity sensors.
• Emerging research trends in dual-type proximity sensing technologies.
• Demonstrated potential of flexible proximity sensors across diverse applications, enhancing safety and functionality.

Conclusions:

• Proximity sensing electronic skin is a rapidly advancing field with broad applicability.
• Flexible proximity sensors are crucial for future non-contact interaction systems.
• Continued research promises further innovations in sensor capabilities and application scope.