Detection of non-joint areas tiny strain and anti-interference voice recognition by micro-cracked metal thin film

Highlights: • A lightweight, cost-effective and scalable strain sensor with excellent performance is developed by utilizing the micro-cracked metal thin film by combining the overlap modal with tunnel effect of the adjacent cracks; • Detection of tiny strain of human non-joints, physiological pulse wave, canthus motion and any biological associated skin deformation is demonstrated; • Mapping of strain distribution and anti-interference voice recognition system using this sensor pave the way to practical applications in smart sensor system and wearable electronics. The poor detecting limit and attenuated sensitivity to tiny strain of a strain sensor retard their development toward practical applications ranging from wearable electronics, human healthcare monitoring to smart sensing system. Here, a strain sensor with high sensitivity to tiny strain, high flexibility, fast response and good stability is developed utilizing the micro-cracked metal thin film based on a novel working principle of combining the overlap mode with tunnel effect of the adjacent cracks. Monitoring of human motions and physiological signals as well as anti-interference voice recognition based on the sensor is demonstrated, showing its potential applications in wearable electronics, human healthcare monitoring and smart sensing system.