Highly sensitive flexible tactile perceptual interactive platform with functions of Braille code recognition

Imitation of tactile perception activities is crucial to the developments of advanced interactive neuromorphic platforms. However, it is a challenge to develop such a platform using a low-cost manufacturing process and with low-power consumption. Here, a low-cost, highly sensitive flexible tactile perceptual interactive platform is proposed, composed of polydimethylsiloxane-based flexible tactile sensors and a flexible chitosan-gated oxide neuromorphic transistor. The flexible tactile sensors made with alkaline textured silicon molds are used as skin receptors that convert pressure signals into electrical signals. The flexible indium-tin-oxide neuromorphic transistor fabricated with a single-step mask process can process electrical signals from the tactile sensor. The neuromorphic transistor exhibits good electrical performances against bending stress. Basic synaptic functions, including excitatory postsynaptic current and paired-pulse facilitation, are demonstrated. Thus, the tactile perceptual platform successfully imitates tactile perception activities in our body. Moreover, when loading a low pressure of ∼1.4 Pa, the flexible tactile perceptual platform demonstrates a high S/N value and sensitivity of ∼4.93 and ∼6.9 dB, respectively. As a proof-of-concept, recognition of Braille codes is demonstrated on the platform by integrating two tactile sensors. The results show the widespread potential of the present interactive platform in wearable flexible cognitive electronics. It has potential applications, including but not limited to human-computer interaction technology and intelligent robot technology. (paper)