Recent Progress in Underwater Tactile Sensing Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

ABSTRACT The rapid advancement of underwater vehicles and the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) necessitates core sensing components capable of withstanding high‐pressure, low‐visibility, and high‐humidity environments. Although tactile perception mechanisms present a promising alternative to traditional underwater sensing, existing reviews lack a systematic analysis of the interdisciplinary integration of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This review addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in TENG‐based underwater tactile sensors, with a focus on their self‐powered operation, material versatility, and bio‐inspired design innovations. Our survey encompasses triboelectric principles, waterproofing strategies, bionic structures, material properties, and signal processing. Notably, we emphasize the transformative potential of TENGs in achieving zero‐power‐consumption and high‐sensitivity sensing—key to overcoming challenges in long‐term energy autonomy and adaptability to extreme marine conditions. The application potential in underwater mobile equipment, wearable devices, and monitoring networks is elucidated, alongside a discussion of technical challenges and future trends. This work ultimately establishes a foundational framework for next‐generation underwater perception systems by advocating for the synergy of TENG technology with artificial intelligence and sustainable material science.