A passive, flexible dual-function sensor for simultaneous pressure and sliding direction detection

Flexible pressure and omnidirectional slide sensors show significant potential in wearable devices and robotics. However, the integration of various sensor types to achieve multi-functionality introduces challenges. Complex structures and processing difficulties limit their miniaturization and flexibility, while dependence on external power sources further constrains their practical use. Here, we report a novel strategy that utilizes a piezoelectric-conductive nanoresistance network with edge electrodes to develop an advanced pressure sensor. This sensor is capable of simultaneously detecting pressure and sliding direction through multiple-channel pulses. We demonstrate its functionality using a polyacrylonitrile/polypyrrole nanofiber membrane (PAN/PPY NFM) configured with either two or three electrodes. By exploiting the signal transmission characteristics of the nanoresistance network, the sensor simultaneously responds to both force and sliding direction through amplitude-frequency analysis of the output signals from multiple channels. Additionally, the sensor operates without an external power supply. This streamlined approach simplifies sensor design and processing, providing a promising solution for advanced touch sensing applications.