CTPU Based MetaMetarial Behaviour as a Soft Strain Sensor

Abstract

The surge in flexible and wearable electronics, fueled by advancements in smart technologies and growing market demand, has highlighted the importance of auxetic sensors for applications in healthcare, medical rehabilitation, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces. For widespread adoption, these sensors must offer high sensitivity, substantial stretchability, and long-term durability. This study explores the possibilities of realizing such wearable soft sensors based on conductive thermoplastic polyurethane (cTPU) 3D printing enhanced with auxetic mechanical metamaterials. Following simultaneous empirical mechanical and electrical measurements, auxetic soft sensor designs were compared with numerical simulations. Results suggest that such soft sensors based on metamaterials are great candidates for applications in healthcare and robotics when realized with 3D printing.