A clickable embroidered triboelectric sensor for smart fabric

Abstract

Most interactive devices are constructed from rigid materials that contrast with the soft and comfortable texture of textiles. Smart textiles, harnessing the potential of flexible electronic technology, offer a promising avenue for the development of comfortable wearable interfaces. However, most flexible electronic devices often still differ from traditional textiles in structure and construction, hindering their integration and scalability. Here, we present an embroidery-based sensor that can achieve touch interaction. By integrating two triboelectric yarns with conventional fabric using a 3D embroidery pattern, a stable triboelectric signal output is achieved. Coupled with machine learning, the embroidery sensor can recognize simple finger gestures for control interfaces. Multiple embroidery sensors can be integrated onto a single piece of fabric in a grid formation for enabling more complicated sensing applications and control interfaces. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]