Self-powered stretchable sensor breaks limits with 668% expansion potential

Researchers at KAIST have created a self-powered sensor capable of stretching to extraordinary lengths. The device, made from piezoelectric fibres, can expand up to 668% of its original size without losing performance. It also harvests energy from movement, removing the need for batteries. The team designed the sensor with coil and knot structures to handle extreme stretching and complex mechanical stresses. Its durability comes from a 'Hierarchical Resilient Design' and strong bonds between layers and electrodes. This ensures consistent electrical output even after repeated use.

To interpret the sensor’s signals, the researchers used artificial intelligence. The system accurately identifies different types of mechanical stimuli from the electrical data. The work was published in ACS Nano and supported by grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea. The sensor opens new possibilities for healthcare, prosthetics, and soft robotics. It could improve long-term health monitoring, enable advanced electronic skins, and give robots human-like sensory abilities. Its self-powered nature and resilience make it a promising tool for future technologies.