Design, fabrication, and modeling of sensing, knitted structures

Abstract

Sensor integration for soft structures can be a daunting task. Conventional sensors such as encoders are often only useful for detecting the motion at joints between rigid structures. Soft structures on the other hand require more customized sensing systems to capture the full articulation of a motion or position. These customized sensing systems often consist of flexible sensor arrays that can measure local mechanical deformations. Often times these sensors have complex fabrication processes and require unique design solutions for specific applications. Here we explore the use of knitted strain sensors in soft structure sensing systems. A low-cost method for fabrication of a hand position tracking glove is presented as an example.