B.E. Uzunoglu, O. Ojuade, M. Aleem, L.C. Hsiao, V. Misra, A.J. Bandodkar
North Carolina State University,
United States
Keywords: wearable, haptic feedback, energy harvesting
Summary:
Humans and robots can immensely benefit from multimodal wearable sensing platforms that can perceive environmental conditions and provide intuitive feedback. Unfortunately, current field-deployable environmental sensors possess formfactors that are not amenable towards wearable applications. In my talk, I will introduce a new class of wearable sensors to fill this major technological vacuum. The device combines innovative replaceable electro-optic sensing modules for simultaneous detection of gaseous, aqueous, and aerosolized environmental toxins with an energy-aware haptic feedback system for alerting the wearer of the presence of toxins in their environment. On-board, flexible solar panels in combination with intelligent power management circuitry impart extended life to the system. As proof of principle, a wearable system for simultaneous detection of volatile organic compounds, nitrous oxide, nickel, and particulate matter will be demonstrated. The system is realized by leveraging advanced multi-analyte metal oxide sensors with high-precision temperature and humidity compensation, miniaturized optical waveguides, and colorimetric assays. I will also demonstrate application of the sensor to a robot with custom-designed haptic-sensitive, soft skin for advanced robotic “sense-and-act” applications. In sum, the talk will offer the audience a new, modular wearable sensing platform for broad applications in environmental monitoring, human–machine interaction, and autonomous robotics.