Fabric-based flexible sensors for advanced wearable applications: development, characterization, and integration into human–machine interaction systems

Abstract With the rapid development of wearable devices, gesture recognition technology based on flexible sensors has gained significant attention. However, challenges such as complex fabrication processes and limited long-term stability hinder their application. In this work, a fabric-based flexible sensor incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that exhibits low-cost processability and excellent fabric stretchability was fabricated through a simple and reliable process. The sensor has a strain sensitivity of 2.14 within a strain range of 0%–70% and a pressure sensitivity of 5.2 × 10⁻² kPa⁻¹ in a pressure range of 0.003–30 kPa. The sensor maintains exceptional stability over 20 000 cycles due to the inherent stretchability of the fabric. When applied to finger joints and integrated with hardware and software, the strain sensor enables effective gesture recognition. Additionally, the pressure sensor was employed to develop a human–machine interface for remote game character control. This work demonstrates a promising approach to advance intelligent interactive systems with flexible, durable, and cost-effective sensors.