On‐skin electronics have drawn extensive attention as they revolutionize many aspects of healthcare, motion tracking, rehabilitation, robotics, human–machine interaction, among others. Flexible and stretchable strain sensors represent one of the most explored devices for on‐skin electronics. Many printing techniques have recently emerged showing great promises for manufacturing strain sensors. Herein, it is aimed to provide a timely survey of recent advancements in printed strain sensors for on‐skin electronics. This review starts with an overview of sensing mechanisms for printed strain sensors, followed by a review of various printing techniques employed in fabricating these sensors. The materials, structures, and printing processes of representative strain sensors are discussed in detail for each printing method. Finally, potential applications of printed flexible and stretchable strain sensors are presented focusing on three areas: healthcare, sports performance monitoring, and human–machine interfaces. The review concludes with a discussion of challenges and opportunities for future research.
Nanomaterial‐enabled flexible and stretchable electronics have seen tremendous progress in recent years, evolving from single sensors to integrated sensing systems. Compared with nanomaterial‐enabled sensors with a single function, integration of multiple sensors is conducive to comprehensive monitoring of personal health and environment, intelligent human–machine interfaces, and realistic imitation of human skin in robotics and prosthetics. Integration of sensors with other functional components promotes real‐world applications of the sensing systems. Here, an overview of the design and integration strategies and manufacturing techniques for such sensing systems is given. Then, representative nanomaterial‐enabled flexible and stretchable sensing systems are presented. Following that, representative applications in personal health, fitness tracking, electronic skins, artificial nervous systems, and human–machine interactions are provided. To conclude, perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this burgeoning field are considered.
more » « less- Award ID(s):
- 1728370
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10449419
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Materials
- Volume:
- 32
- Issue:
- 15
- ISSN:
- 0935-9648
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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