Touch, press and stroke: a soft capacitive sensor skin.

Soft sensors that can discriminate shear and normal force could help provide machines the fine control desirable for safe and effective physical interactions with people. A capacitive sensor is made for this purpose, composed of patterned elastomer and containing both fixed and sliding pillars that allow the sensor to deform and buckle, much like skin itself. The sensor differentiates between simultaneously applied normal force and shear using summation and differences of signals from four deformable capacitors. Cross talk from shear to normal force is less than 2.5%, and between shear axes is less than 10%. Normal and shear stress sensitivity is 0.49 kPa and 0.31 kPa respectively, with a minimum displacement resolution of 40 µm. In addition, finger proximity is detectable at a range of up to 15 mm. The operation is demonstrated on a simple gripper holding a cup. The combination of features and the straightforward fabrication method make this sensor a candidate for implementation as a sensing skin for humanoid robotics applications.

Intrinsically Stretchable Integrated Passive Matrix Electrochromic Display Using PEDOT:PSS Ionic Liquid Composite.

The low power consumption of electrochromism makes it widely used in actively shaded windows and mirrors, while flexible versions are attractive for use in wearable devices. Initial demonstration of stretchable electrochromic elements promises good conformability to complex surfaces. Here, fully integrated intrinsically stretchable electrochromic devices are demonstrated as single elements and 3 × 3 displays. Conductive and electrochromic ionic liquid-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate is combined with poly(vinyl alcohol)-based electrolyte to form complete cells. A transmission change of 15% is demonstrated, along with a reflectance change of 25% for opaque reflective devices, with <7 s switching time, even under 30% strain. Stability under both electrochemical and mechanical strain cycling is demonstrated. A passive matrix display exhibits addressability and low cross-talk under strain. Comparable optical performance to flexible electrochromics and higher deformability provide attractive qualities for use in wearable, biometric monitoring, and robotic skin devices.

Dementia buddying as a vehicle for person-centred care? The performance of a volunteer-led pilot on two hospital wards.

Objectives To understand and explain whether a dementia buddies pilot introduced into two adjacent mental health hospital wards in England was achieving its aim of enhancing person-centred care. Methods The research used a cultural lens to evaluate the dementia buddies pilot. It comprised 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with staff, volunteers and carers in the two wards where the pilot was introduced. Results The pilot's ability to deliver positive outcomes depended on its compatibility with the culture of the ward and it performed better in the ward where a person-centred culture of care already existed. In this ward, the pilot became a catalyst for improved experience among patients, carers and staff, whereas in the second ward, the pilot faced resistance from staff and achieved less. Conclusions This finding underlines the benefit of focusing on workplace culture to understand the performance of volunteer-led initiatives. It also shows that existing ward culture is a determining factor in the capacity for dementia buddy schemes to act as vehicles for culture change.

Bend, stretch, and touch: Locating a finger on an actively deformed transparent sensor array.

The development of bendable, stretchable, and transparent touch sensors is an emerging technological goal in a variety of fields, including electronic skin, wearables, and flexible handheld devices. Although transparent tactile sensors based on metal mesh, carbon nanotubes, and silver nanowires demonstrate operation in bent configurations, we present a technology that extends the operation modes to the sensing of finger proximity including light touch during active bending and even stretching. This is accomplished using stretchable and ionically conductive hydrogel electrodes, which project electric field above the sensor to couple with and sense a finger. The polyacrylamide electrodes are embedded in silicone. These two widely available, low-cost, transparent materials are combined in a three-step manufacturing technique that is amenable to large-area fabrication. The approach is demonstrated using a proof-of-concept 4 × 4 cross-grid sensor array with a 5-mm pitch. The approach of a finger hovering a few centimeters above the array is readily detectable. Light touch produces a localized decrease in capacitance of 15%. The movement of a finger can be followed across the array, and the location of multiple fingers can be detected. Touch is detectable during bending and stretch, an important feature of any wearable device. The capacitive sensor design can be made more or less sensitive to bending by shifting it relative to the neutral axis. Ultimately, the approach is adaptable to the detection of proximity, touch, pressure, and even the conformation of the sensor surface.