Researchers have successfully created omnidirectionally stretchable pressure sensors inspired by crocodile skin. They drew inspiration from the unique sensory organ of crocodile skin and developed pressure sensors with microdomes and wrinkled surfaces.

By inventing a hemispheric elastomeric polymer with delicate wrinkles containing either long or short nanowires, they created a device that they say outperforms currently available pressure sensors. While other sensors lose sensitivity when subjected to mechanical deformations, this new sensor maintains its sensitivity even when stretched in one or two different directions.

Thanks to the fine wrinkled structure on its surface, the sensor can maintain high sensitivity to pressure even when subjected to significant deformation. When an external mechanical force is applied, the wrinkled structure unfolds, reducing stress on the hemispheric sensing area that is responsible for detecting applied pressure. This stress reduction enables the sensor to preserve its pressure sensitivity even under deformations. As a result, the sensor exhibits exceptional sensitivity to pressure, even when stretched up to 100 percent in one direction and 50 percent in two different directions.

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