Large Area Tactile Sensor based on Proximity Connection of Tactile Sensing Elements

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a stable proximity connector RPC (Resonant Proximity Connector) to TDC (Two-Dimensional Communication) sheet for integration of tactile sensor chips in a large area robot skin. RPC is an electrode whose length is a quarter of the electromagnetic wavelength. The induced resonance around the electrode reduces the impedance between the connector and TDC sheet, which allows sensor chips to connect with TDC sheet stably. Simulation results on straight, ring, spiral RPCs show that the concept is effective. We also confirmed experimentally that power can be supplied to the sensor element in TDC sheet successfully.