Strain-localized luminescent e-skin for high-resolution pressure mapping and visual force feedback.

Abstract

Electronic skins (e-skins) that emulate human intuitive tactile perception with visual feedback capabilities are vital for next-generation wearables, robotics, and biomedical applications. However, existing visualized pressure mapping systems either require dense pixelated arrays that add bulk, complexity and signal crosstalk, or rely on rigid or semi‑rigid architecture,  and are not able to conform to dynamically changing curved, soft surfaces. Here, we report a soft mechano-electroluminescent e-skin for high-resolution visualized pressure mapping. Quantitative pressure sensing is achieved on curved and compliant substrates. Built with an ultrathin, entirely soft microstructured architecture, it harnesses strain-localized deformation and intrinsic, in‑situ force-electric-optical coupling within a continuous device stack to achieve high‑fidelity pressure mapping without discrete sensing pixels. It achieves a spatial resolution of 30 μm (847 dpi) and high luminescent sensitivity (1.12 cd·m⁻²·kPa⁻¹). This e-skin allows real-time mapping of pressure distributions and recognition of fine tactile features like fingerprints. Integrated with plantar sensors and also laparoscopic tools, it also enables visual force feedback, enhancing gait analysis and surgical training, respectively. This approach offers a soft, compact, multimodal platform for intelligent tactile interfaces.