Stretch sensor


A stretch sensor is a sensor which can be used to measure deformation and stretching forces such as tension or bending. They are usually made from a material that is itself soft and stretchable.
Most stretch sensors fall into one of two categories. The first type consists of an electrical conductor for which the electrical resistance changes substantially when the sensor is deformed. The second type consists of a capacitor for which the capacitance changes under deformation. Known properties of the sensor can then be used to deduce the deformation from the resistance/capacitance. Both types often take the form of a cord, tape, or mesh.

Applications

Wearable stretch sensors can be used for tasks such as measuring body posture or movement.
They can also be used in robotics, particularly in soft robots.