# Stretchable Curvature Sensors for Motion Capture with Bending‐Stretching Coupling Deformation

## TL;DR

A new stretchable sensor design enables accurate curvature measurement for wearable devices and robotics, significantly reducing measurement errors.

## Contribution

A novel wave-shaped symmetrical laminated structure decouples bending and stretching deformation for reliable curvature sensing.

## Key findings

- The sensor reduces measurement errors by 93.6% in slip-simulation tests compared to conventional strain sensors.
- The design enables high linearity, repeatability, and durability in curvature sensing.
- Integration into smart gloves allows precise motion capture and human-robot interaction.

## Abstract

Accurate curvature sensing is essential for robotic control, movement monitoring, and enhanced interactive experiences. Existing strategies rely either on stretchable strain sensors, which introduce non‐calibratable measurement errors due to unstable interfacial friction and slippage, or on non‐stretchable curvature sensors, which lack the stretchability required for wearable applications. Here, a stretchable curvature sensor is reported featuring a core component of a wave‐shaped symmetrical laminated structure. This structure achieves both stretchability and effective decoupling of bending from stretching, enabling accurate curvature measurement under frictional conditions. Slip‐simulation tests with smart gloves demonstrated a 93.6% reduction in measurement errors relative to conventional strain sensors. These results underscore the sensor's promise for applications in flexible wearable devices and soft robotics.

Stretchable curvature sensors based on a wavy symmetric stacked‐layer structure (WSSLS) enable decoupled bending‐stretching detection with high linearity, repeatability, and durability. Integrated into smart gloves, the sensors achieved precise motion capture and human‐robot interaction, with slip‐simulation tests demonstrating a remarkable 93.6% reduction in measurement errors compared with conventional strain sensors. These results highlight their strong potential for next‐generation wearable electronics.