A Force Myography (FMG) Armband Based on Micro‐Structured Textile‐Pressure Sensors for Human‐Machine Interface (HMI)

• Published in: Advanced Sensor Research Vol. 4; no. 9
• Main Authors: Tchantchane, Rayane, Zhou, Hao, Zhang, Shen, Alici, Gursel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Stanford John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.09.2025; Wiley-VCH
• Subjects: Accuracy; Algorithms; capacitive pressure sensor (CPS); capacitive pressure‐based force‐myography (cFMG); Deformation; Design; Electrodes; Finite element method; Gesture recognition; Human-computer interaction; human‐machine interface (HMI); Material properties; Microstructure; Muscle function; Pressure sensors; Prostheses; Sensitivity; Sensors; textile‐based capacitive sensor; Wearable technology
• ISSN: 2751-1219; 2751-1219
• DOI: 10.1002/adsr.202500012

Wearable pressure sensors for specific applications are in growing demand due to their flexibility, sensitivity, low power consumption, and portability. Flexible capacitive pressure sensors with micro‐structured dielectric layers have shown promise in meeting these demands by tuning the dielectric geometry and material properties. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) based on Finite Element Method (FEM) predicts the response of a sensor under various inputs and parameters and hence facilitates the design and development of sensors. By employing FEA, the performance pressure sensors can be predicted based on microstructures. A textile‐based capacitive pressure sensor is presented, enhanced with a triangular prism micro‐structure in the dielectric layer, improving sensitivity by up to four orders higher than its non‐structured counterparts. The sensor demonstrates a remarkable sensitivity of 5.52% kPa−¹(0.24–50 kPa), with linearity (R2 = 0.981), a wide sensing range (0.24–330 kPa), and mechanical stability >1000 cycles. Its use is demonstrated in a 4‐channel force myography (FMG) armband, validated across five subjects with an average gesture recognition accuracy of 92% for common hand gestures. The applications of the device are further demonstrated to control a prosthetic hand and operate a game, paving the way for advancements in smart wearable technologies within HMI applications. This study introduces a textile‐based capacitive pressure sensor featuring a triangular prism microstructure, which significantly enhances sensitivity to 5.52% kPa−¹ and supports a wide sensing range up to 330 kPa. The sensor's performance is validated in a 4‐channel capacitive pressure‐based force myography (cFMG) armband for gesture recognition, extending to real‐time control of a prosthetic hand and gaming, advancing human‐machine interface applications.