Wide-range 3D printed stretchable triboelectric sensor for multi-parameter body monitoring and intelligent human-machine interaction
Yang Y, Wang Z H, Cai T T, et al
Sci China Inf Sci, 2026, 69(6): 169402
With the rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), the demand for wearable electronics facilitating comprehensive health monitoring and intuitive human-machine interaction (HMI) has surged. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) hold significant promise as a viable technology for self-powered sensing within this paradigm. Nevertheless, reconciling cost-effectiveness, stretchability, sensitivity, and a broad detection range remains a formidable challenge for 3Dprinted flexible TENGs. Existing devices are often constrained by the intrinsic rigidity of commercial filaments or the structural incongruity of multi-material interfaces, impeding the simultaneous resolution of micro-physiological signals (e.g., pulse, ~0.01 N) and vigorous body movements (>100 N). To transcend this limitation, we present a low-cost, 3D-printed stretchable triboelectric sensor (3DPS-sensor) featuring an ultra-wide linear sensing range (0.01–300 N), thereby enabling diverse applications ranging from precision traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pulse diagnostics to high-load robotic control.