Stretch sensors for human body motion

Ben O'Brien; Todd Gisby; Iain A. Anderson

doi:10.1117/12.2046143

8 March 2014 Stretch sensors for human body motion

Ben O'Brien, Todd Gisby, Iain A. Anderson

Proceedings Volume 9056, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2014; 905618 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2046143
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2014, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Sensing motion of the human body is a difficult task. From an engineers’ perspective people are soft highly mobile objects that move in and out of complex environments. As well as the technical challenge of sensing, concepts such as comfort, social intrusion, usability, and aesthetics are paramount in determining whether someone will adopt a sensing solution or not. At the same time the demands for human body motion sensing are growing fast. Athletes want feedback on posture and technique, consumers need new ways to interact with augmented reality devices, and healthcare providers wish to track recovery of a patient. Dielectric elastomer stretch sensors are ideal for bridging this gap. They are soft, flexible, and precise. They are low power, lightweight, and can be easily mounted on the body or embedded into clothing. From a commercialisation point of view stretch sensing is easier than actuation or generation - such sensors can be low voltage and integrated with conventional microelectronics. This paper takes a birds-eye view of the use of these sensors to measure human body motion. A holistic description of sensor operation and guidelines for sensor design will be presented to help technologists and developers in the space.

Citation Download Citation

Ben O'Brien, Todd Gisby, and Iain A. Anderson "Stretch sensors for human body motion", Proc. SPIE 9056, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2014, 905618 (8 March 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2046143

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