Triaxial tactile sensing for next-gen robotics and wearable devices

Abstract

Triaxial tactile sensing technology overcomes the limitations of conventional single-axis sensors by enabling real-time decoupling of normal and shear forces, thereby supporting multi-dimensional perception in robotics, wearable devices, and human-computer interaction. By integrating flexible electronics with high-density sensor arrays, this technology enables precise object manipulation, environmental mapping, and physiological monitoring. Current applications include haptic feedback in virtual reality/augmented reality, electronic skin, and robotic slip control, demonstrating high sensitivity, fast response, and high spatial resolution. The core challenge lies in simultaneously optimizing sensing performance, long-term durability, and integration feasibility. Advances in nanomaterial engineering and machine learning algorithms are improving the accuracy of force decoupling and the efficiency of signal processing. This review systematically examines the working principles, strategies for performance enhancement, data processing methods, and cross-domain applications of triaxial tactile sensing. Instead of focusing primarily on materials or individual sensing mechanisms, it highlights critical performance trade-offs and co-optimization frameworks involving sensing performance, durability, and integration, to promote the widespread adoption of intelligent tactile systems across various industries.