Smart Textile Senses Light, Pressure, Smell, and Even Taste

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, Daegu, Republic of Korea

Researchers have developed a multifunctional sensor based on semiconductor fibers that emulates the five human senses. (Credit: *Advanced Fiber Materials*)

Researchers have developed a multifunctional sensor based on semiconductor fibers that emulates the five human senses. Prof. Bonghoon Kim, department of robotics and mechatronics engineering of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), conducted the study in collaboration with Prof. Sangwook Kim at KAIST, Prof. Janghwan Kim at Ajou University, and Prof. Jiwoong Kim at Soongsil University. The technology developed in the study is expected to be utilized in fields such as wearables, Internet of Things (IoT), electronic devices, and soft robotics.

The semiconductor fiber sensor is much more sophisticated and functional than traditional one-dimensional fiber sensors. Notably, the new sensor sensitively responds to changes in the external environment owing to its unique structure within the fibers that allows it to simultaneously measure and monitor light, chemicals, pressure, and environmental information, such as pH (acidity), ammonia (NH3), and mechanical strain levels. The team proposed these technologies as a new sensor platform that can detect and process multiple signals at once in the same manner as the five human senses.

The study fabricated fibers that can freely adjust in three-dimensional shape through a special fabrication process based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). MoS₂ is a compound consisting of molybdenum and sulfur as among the two-dimensional nanomaterials that possess extraordinary electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. It has a variety of applications, including semiconductors, lubricants, and energy storage.

In particular, the fibers’ three-dimensional spiral structure, which was naturally formed while the fibers were aligned into a ribbon shape, allows the precise control of the curve of the fibers. The fabricated fibers showed good performance owing to the outstanding electro-mechanical properties of MoS2 and the aligned structure within the fibers. The fibers also demonstrated the potential for sensing a variety of environmental information.

“This study has greatly expanded the range of applications for two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as molybdenum disulfide,” says Kim. “We will continue to use various materials and research the technologies that can accurately measure signals required for wearable technologies.”

The study was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Global Bioconvergence Interfacing Engineering Research Center (ERC). The results of the study (first authors: PhD student Junhyun Park at DGIST, PhD student Sooeon Lee at DGIST, Prof. Janghwan Kim at Ajou University, and researcher Hyokyung Kim at Soongsil University) were published in Advanced Fiber Materials).

For more information, contact Boonhoon Kim This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. visit here .