# Cutting-Edge Vibration Sensor Morphologically Configured by Mimicking a Tactile Cutaneous Receptor Using Magnetic-Responsive Hybrid Fluid (HF)

## TL;DR

A new vibration sensor mimics human touch receptors using magnetic-responsive fluid and different cover materials to detect vibrations effectively.

## Contribution

A novel vibratory sensor design inspired by human tactile receptors, using magnetic-responsive hybrid fluid and varying cover hardness.

## Key findings

- The sensor's response time and gauge factor were enhanced by the hairs and outer cover hardness.
- The sensor performed well in both low- and high-frequency vibration ranges.
- The design parameters helped in effectively designing piezoelectric-based sensors.

## Abstract

Vibration sensors are important in many engineering fields, including industry, surgery, space, and mechanics, such as for remote and autonomous driving. We propose a novel, cutting-edge vibratory sensor that mimics human tactile receptors, with a configuration different from current sensors such as strain gauges and piezo materials. The basic principle involves the perception of vibration via touch, with a cutaneous mechanoreceptor that is sensitive to vibration. We investigated the characteristics of the proposed vibratory sensor, in which the mechanoreceptor was covered either in hard rubber (such as silicon oil) or soft rubber (such as urethane), for both low- and high-frequency ranges. The fabricated sensor is based on piezoelectricity with a built-in voltage. It senses applied vibration by means of hairs in the sensor and the hardness of the outer cover. We also investigated two proposed parameters: the sensor response time to stimuli to the vibration aiding the equivalent firing rate (e.f.r.) and the gauge factor (GF,pe) proposed as treated in piezo-resistivity. The evaluation with the parameters was effective in designing a sensor based on piezoelectricity. These parameters were enhanced by the hairs in the sensor and the hardness of the outer cover. Our results were helpful for designing the present novel vibratory sensor.