INS7-1645
Biomimetic Structures and Functions for Soft Sensors
Topic
S7. Innovations in Polymeric Composites: From Design and Processing to Industrial Applications
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
11:10 - 11:35
Room 107
Session Chairs
Seokhoon AHN
Presenter(s)
Hyunhyub Ko (UNIST)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Biomimetic flexible sensors with skin-like softness and high sensitivity have received significant attention for applications in human–machine interfaces, robotic skins, and wearable healthcare systems. Despite the development of various soft sensors leveraging advanced materials and diverse sensing mechanisms, challenges remain in achieving multifunctionality, environmental robustness, and seamless integration with the human body. To overcome these limitations, we take inspiration from biological systems, which possess highly evolved micro/nanostructures that enable exceptional sensory functions through continuous adaptation to external stimuli.
Here, we present a set of biomimetic structural design strategies for micro/nanostructured polymer composites that serve as high-performance soft sensors for wearable electronics and human–machine interfaces. First, inspired by the hierarchical structure of human fingertips, we develop multifunctional electronic skins capable of distinguishing a wide range of mechanical cues—normal pressure, shear, stretching, bending—as well as static/dynamic forces and temperature with high sensitivity. Second, drawing inspiration from the frequency-selective response of the cochlea, we design triboelectric sensors with hierarchical ferroelectric composites that enable frequency-tunable acoustic and haptic sensing for dual-mode HMIs. Third, inspired by stimuli-responsive color-changing structures in nature, we realize colorimetric tactile sensors that quantitatively monitor external forces through visually discernible chromatic transitions. Finally, mimicking the structure and function of biological synapses, we develop a fully biodegradable artificial synapse that operates at sub-millivolt levels, exhibits key synaptic behaviors, and supports a bioinspired reflexive system capable of adaptive, stimulus-dependent learning and reflex-like responses.
Here, we present a set of biomimetic structural design strategies for micro/nanostructured polymer composites that serve as high-performance soft sensors for wearable electronics and human–machine interfaces. First, inspired by the hierarchical structure of human fingertips, we develop multifunctional electronic skins capable of distinguishing a wide range of mechanical cues—normal pressure, shear, stretching, bending—as well as static/dynamic forces and temperature with high sensitivity. Second, drawing inspiration from the frequency-selective response of the cochlea, we design triboelectric sensors with hierarchical ferroelectric composites that enable frequency-tunable acoustic and haptic sensing for dual-mode HMIs. Third, inspired by stimuli-responsive color-changing structures in nature, we realize colorimetric tactile sensors that quantitatively monitor external forces through visually discernible chromatic transitions. Finally, mimicking the structure and function of biological synapses, we develop a fully biodegradable artificial synapse that operates at sub-millivolt levels, exhibits key synaptic behaviors, and supports a bioinspired reflexive system capable of adaptive, stimulus-dependent learning and reflex-like responses.
