RadioGami: Batteryless, Long-Range Wireless Paper Sensors Using Tunnel Diodes

TL;DR

RadioGami introduces a novel, batteryless, long-range wireless paper sensor system using tunnel diodes, capable of sensing deformations and environmental changes at distances up to 45 meters, with sustainable energy harvesting.

Contribution

It presents a new design for long-range, batteryless RF sensors on paper using low-cost materials and a tunnel diode circuit, enabling sustainable and interactive sensing surfaces.

Findings

Range up to 45.73 meters demonstrated

Sensing of paper deformations and environmental changes achieved

Low power consumption with energy harvesting confirmed

Abstract

Paper-based interactive RF devices have opened new possibilities for wireless sensing, yet they are typically constrained by short operational ranges. This paper introduces RadioGami, a method for creating long-range, batteryless RF sensing surfaces on paper using low-cost, DIY materials like copper tape, paper, and off-the-shelf electronics paired with an affordable radio receiver (approx. $20). We explore the design space enabled by RadioGami, including sensing paper deformations like bending, tearing, and origami patterns (Miura, Kresling) at ranges up to 45.73 meters. RadioGami employs a novel ultra-low power (35uW) switching circuit with a tunnel diode for wireless functionality. These surfaces can sustainably operate by harvesting energy using tiny photodiodes. We demonstrate applications that monitor object status, track user interactions (rotation, sliding), and detect environmental changes. We characterize performance, sensitivity, range, and power consumption with deployment studies. RadioGami advances sustainable, tangible, and batteryless interfaces for embodied interaction.