3D-Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator Sensors for Soft Haptic Interfaces

Abstract

Haptic interfaces allow us to interact with the virtual environment by sensing our realistic tactile information and delivering them to the computer system. However, rigid and cumbersome form factors of haptic interfaces limit the comfortable interfaces and various applications. Here we report triboelectric-based 3D-printed soft haptic interfaces with free-form factor. An elastic material 3D printing enables us to fabricate soft haptic interfaces with 3D sensors as we desire. After printing some components of the 3D flexible sensors, we use the active materials to achieve surface modification of printed components and assemble those functionalized components into a single structure. When we apply the external force to the sensor structure with multiple components, those components are contacted or separated from each other. Due to their different surface electron affinities the triboelectric effect occurs, which derives the electron transfer and generates the electrical signal. This electrical signal is transmitted as realistic tactile information to the computer system for interacting with the virtual environmental system. We expect these soft haptic interfaces will contribute to expand the haptic technologies for various applications.