Ultraflexible, High-Stability Woven Yarn Sensors With a Wide Detection Range for Enhanced Human-Machine Interaction

Flexible sensors play a crucial role in enhancing information transmission and human-machine control efficiency, particularly in challenging environments such as nighttime or dusty conditions encountered in counter-terrorism operations. Combining high stability sensing performance and exceptional flexibility is paramount for effective human-machine interaction facilitated by flexible sensors. Finding a balance between high flexibility, wide detection range, and stability is challenging because they are mutually limiting. In this study, a latex-polyester core-spun elastic yarn with a double-helix structure was used, using a dip-coating process to apply two layers of MWCNTs and one layer of PEDOT:PSS, aiming to enhance the detection range and stability of sensors. The developed yarn sensor exhibited a low modulus (0.09 MPa), a wide detection range (0.025%–200%), and high stability (>20000 cycles). Its flexibility surpassed that of human skin, demonstrating excellent stability under varying rates, strain ranges, and sample lengths. Integration of the yarn sensor into sensing gloves facilitated natural gesture recognition in counter-terrorism operations and enabled successful control of unmanned counter-terrorism vehicles, thereby enhancing human-machine interaction. This innovative solution presents significant potential for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of counter-terrorism operations through improved sensing capabilities.