Researchers in South Korea have developed a multifunctional sensor based on semiconductor fibres that emulates the five human senses.
- This technology is expected to be utilised in a variety of state-of-the-art technology fields, such as wearables, Internet of Things (IoT), electronic devices, and soft robotics.
TEAM & TECHNOLOGY: The research team led by — Professor Bonghoon Kim from the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology in collaboration with Professor Sangwook Kim at KAIST, and Professor Janghwan Kim at Ajou University, and Professor Jiwoong Kim at Soongsil University — proposed these technologies as a new sensor platform that can detect and process multiple signals at once in the same manner as the five human senses.
- The newly developed semiconductor fibre sensor is much more sophisticated and functional than traditional one-dimensional fibre sensors.
- The new sensor sensitively responds to changes in the external environment owing to its unique structure within the fibres that allows it to simultaneously measure and monitor light, chemicals, pressure, and environmental information, such as pH (acidity), ammonia (NH3), and mechanical strain levels.
- This study fabricated fibres that can freely adjust to a three-dimensional shape through a special fabrication process.
- In particular, the fibres' three-dimensional spiral structure, which was naturally formed while the fibres were aligned into a ribbon shape, allows the precise control of the curve of the fibres.
- The fabricated fibres showed good performance and also demonstrated the potential for sensing a variety of environmental information.
WHAT THEY SAID:
This study has greatly expanded the range of applications for two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as molybdenum disulfide. We will continue to use various materials and research the technologies that can accurately measure signals required for wearable technologies.
— Professor Bonghoon Kim
Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology
