Biomimetic Lateral Line Tactile Sensing Technology Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Conventional underwater detection technologies (acoustic/optical) face challenges in turbid, dark and confined environments. The efficiency of underwater vehicles will suffer as a result. Inspired by the superficial neuromasts (SN) of the fish lateral line system, this paper develops a biomimetic lateral line tactile sensor (BLLTS) using triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology to provide a novel sensing modality for underwater vehicles. The sensor consists of a triboelectric sensing unit, a cap, a connecting rod, a cylindrical housing, a trigger and a silicone pad. The BLLTS is able to effectively detect the magnitude and frequency information of an external load through various forms of electrical signals. Meanwhile, the sensor maintains a stable signal output when it continuously receives external loads, proving itself to have good durability. The experimental results show that BLLTS has important advantages in assisting underwater vehicles to accomplish tasks such as underwater environment sensing.