Flexible, Sensorized Glove for Force Sensitive Measurements

Tekscan, in partnership with SEMI, is currently researching and developing a fully functional grip analysis system. At the center of this system is a functional, flexible, stretchable ink and substrate system that will allow for the creation of a sensorized glove. Research and development of a flexible conductive and pressure-sensitive ink system coupled with a compatible and flexible substrate has allowed for the formation of a flexible, printed force sensing resistor. The new glove sensor features a fully sensorized palm, front side of the fingers, and thumb, providing contact pressure information that can be used to analyze the forces being applied by and to the hands during gripping and touching actions. This new flexible sensor is then integrated into a 3-dimensional glove form which is then connected to hardware that wirelessly transmits the data to a host PC. The system software provides real-time data measurement, visualization, and recording. A sensor of this caliber is innovative to the market and will change how ergonomics and hand positioning is determined in the future.