A Monolithic Fingerprint-Like Tactile Sensor Array Realizaing High Resolution Imaging of Spatially Distributed Tactile Information

In this study, a novel “array type” monolithic fingerprint-like tactile sensor has been developed for acquiring high resolution images of tactile information of surface. Six high resolution tactile sensors are arrayed in line at a pitch of 500μm, which is equivalent to typical pitch of human's fingerprint. Each tactile sensor can detect biaxial motion of contactor for detection of “micro surface roughness” and “local slip friction”, even if it is a very soft material like clothes. As an important result obtained with the array of tactile sensors, “non-linear deformation characteristic of soft fabrics” has been acquired successfully. Moreover, distributed tactile information on “shape” and “slip friction” has been 3D visualized on a soft cloth surface at a 100μm spatial resolution for the first time.