Innovations in flexible tactile sensors for three dimensional force detection: Construction, signal decoupling and applications

Artificial tactile systems serve diverse technological need, spanning health monitoring, electronic skin and human-machine interaction. 3D force sensors with wide detection range and high sensitivity are essential components of tactile sensing systems. This review presents and discusses recent advances in 3D force sensors. Here, we firstly discuss the design principles and structures of 3D force sensors. Then, the fabrication techniques and decoupling of 3D forces are subsequently introduced and discussed. After that, the applications of 3D force sensors in health monitoring, robotics, and human-computer interaction are reviewed in detail. Finally, the future prospects of artificial tactile sensing systems are discussed.