A bio-inspired tactile nociceptor constructed by integrating wearable sensing paper and a VO2 threshold switching memristor

Abstract

The sensations of touch and pain are fundamental components of our daily life, which can transport vital information about the surroundings and provide protection to our bodies. In this study, the transmission process of sensing pressure stimuli to dorsal root neurons (nociceptors) was simulated using electronic devices. In this regard, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated a biomimetic nociceptor system with tactile perception. In this system, the sensing paper as E-skin simulates the biological skin to sense external pressure stimulation and generate electrical signals, while the threshold switching memristor simulates the biological nociceptor to receive and process the receptor signals. The W/VO₂/Pt memristor exhibits all key features of nociceptors including threshold, relaxation, “no adaptation” and sensitization phenomena of allodynia and hyperalgesia. The E-skin shows high sensitivity and a broad sensing range and is capable of monitoring different human movements and physiological signals. With the bio-inspired artificial tactile nociceptive system, the threshold and sensitization properties under pressure stimuli are obtained successfully. Notably, this system could be used as an artificial tactile alarm system to demonstrate the potential applicability of humanoid robots. Thus, the present work is of great significance to the development of hardware architecture in artificial intelligence systems and replacement neuroprosthetics.