Morphology Design of Soft Strain Sensors with Superior Stability for Wearable Rehabilitation Robots

Qian Wang, Seyram Ofori, Qiulei Liu, Haoyong Yu, Shuo Ding, Haitao Yang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Accurate human motion tracking by wearable sensors is critical for wearable robots in rehabilitation, but existing sensing technologies have several limitations, such as unaffordability, poor stability, and reliability concerns. Through the sensor morphology design, this research focuses on the development of robust soft strain sensors using crumpled single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Compared to planar sensors, crumpled SWCNTs sensors exhibit wide working strain ranges, robust cycling performance, and superior mechanical stability. These sensors were integrated into a rehabilitation exoskeleton and successfully monitored elbow deformation and muscle activity by sensitive, stable, and reliable signals, indicating great potential in replacing EMG and inertial sensors to provide accurate and immediate feedback for optimized operations in rehabilitation tasks. This technology provides a cost-effective, wearable, and privacy-friendly solution for motion monitoring in rehabilitation robots, improving the effectiveness and convenience of rehabilitation treatment for people with physical disabilities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntelligent Robotics and Applications - 16th International Conference, ICIRA 2023, Proceedings
EditorsHuayong Yang, Jun Zou, Geng Yang, Xiaoping Ouyang, Honghai Liu, Zhiyong Wang, Zhouping Yin, Lianqing Liu
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages576-583
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9789819964888
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Event16th International Conference on Intelligent Robotics and Applications, ICIRA 2023 - Hangzhou, China
Duration: 5 Jul 20237 Jul 2023

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume14269 LNAI
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference16th International Conference on Intelligent Robotics and Applications, ICIRA 2023
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHangzhou
Period5/07/237/07/23

Keywords

  • Crumpled microstructures
  • Rehabilitation robots
  • Sensor stability
  • Strain sensor

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