Tactile/thermal dual-modal perceptual platform by integrating a thermoelectric generator and a triboelectric nanogenerator with an oxide neuromorphic transistor

Abstract

One of the main functions of the human sensory system is to respond to various types of stimuli, providing broad and deep perception and understanding of the environment. Replicating such ability at the hardware level significantly advances the development of neuromorphic platforms. Here, chitosan-based electrolyte-gated oxide neuromorphic transistors with bottom gate and co-planar gate configurations enable efficient multi-modal sensory signal reception. The potential outputs from the thermoelectric generator and the triboelectric nanogenerator are loaded on the gates of the oxide neuromorphic transistors. Thus, typical synaptic functions have been mimicked, demonstrating tactile and thermal dual-modal perceptual activities. The multisensory integration strategy offers great potential in the areas of electronic skin, neurorobotics and human–computer interaction technologies.