A Single-Mode Artificial Mechanoreceptor Combining Rapid- and Slow-Adapting Sensing

This article reports an artificial mechanoreceptor based on an iodide/triiodide (I–/I3–) electrochemical redox couple in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gel electrolyte. The unique feature of this mechanoreceptor is its capability of rapid-adapting (RA) and slow-adapting (SA) detection with a single sensing modality. The mechanoreceptor is constructed by simply sandwiching the gel electrolyte between two sets of platinum electrodes. The Faradaic current between the anode and cathode contains both RA and SA signals. The mechanoreceptor is also able to differentiate normal and shear displacements. The single-mode detection with SA and RA responses has been successfully demonstrated for both normal and shear inputs. The effects of movement displacement and velocity have been investigated.