Paper
5 May 2011 Biomimetic MEMS to assist, enhance, and expand human sensory perceptions: a survey on state-of-the-art developments
Teresa Makarczuk, Tina R. Matin, Salmah B. Karman, S. Zaleha M. Diah, Benyamin Davaji, Mark O. Macqueen, Jeanette Mueller, Ulrich Schmid, Ille C. Gebeshuber
Author Affiliations +
Proceedings Volume 8066, Smart Sensors, Actuators, and MEMS V; 80661O (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.886554
Event: SPIE Microtechnologies, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic
Abstract
The human senses are of extraordinary value but we cannot change them even if this proves to be a disadvantage in modern times. However, we can assist, enhance and expand these senses via MEMS. Current MEMS cover the range of the human sensory system, and additionally provide data about signals that are too weak for the human sensory system (in terms of signal strength) and signal types that are not covered by the human sensory system. Biomimetics deals with knowledge transfer from biology to technology. In our interdisciplinary approach existing MEMS sensor designs shall be modified and adapted (to keep costs at bay), via biomimetic knowledge transfer of outstanding sensory perception in 'best practice' organisms (e.g. thermoreception, UV sensing, electromagnetic sense). The MEMS shall then be linked to the human body (mainly ex corpore to avoid ethics conflicts), to assist, enhance and expand human sensory perception. This paper gives an overview of senses in humans and animals, respective MEMS sensors that are already on the market and gives a list of possible applications of such devices including sensors that vibrate when a blind person approaches a kerb stone edge and devices that allow divers better orientation under water (echolocation, ultrasound).
© (2011) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Teresa Makarczuk, Tina R. Matin, Salmah B. Karman, S. Zaleha M. Diah, Benyamin Davaji, Mark O. Macqueen, Jeanette Mueller, Ulrich Schmid, and Ille C. Gebeshuber "Biomimetic MEMS to assist, enhance, and expand human sensory perceptions: a survey on state-of-the-art developments", Proc. SPIE 8066, Smart Sensors, Actuators, and MEMS V, 80661O (5 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.886554
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Cited by 4 scholarly publications.
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KEYWORDS
Microelectromechanical systems

Sensors

Ultraviolet radiation

Receptors

Biomimetics

Infrared radiation

CMOS sensors

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