A new type of soft sensor can be attached to everyday objects including clothing. (Purdue University image/C Design Lab)

iSoft, a new type of soft and stretchable sensor, is capable of sensing in real time, and can perform “multimodal” sensing of stimuli such as continuous contact and stretching in all directions. It does not require wiring or electronics within the material.

iSoft can handle continuous contact, and also can be easily modified for custom purposes after manufacture. The sensor uses a piezoresistive elastomer, which when touched, changes electrical resistance that provides sensing data.

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