Textile-based sensors for human motion sensing: recent developments and future perspectives

Abstract

Textile-based motion sensors have emerged as a promising solution for unobtrusive and continuous monitoring of human movements, offering unique advantages such as flexibility, comfort, and seamless integration into clothing. This review offers a thorough examination of the latest advancements and upcoming possibilities in motion sensing technology based on textiles. The article explores various sensing mechanisms, including resistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, and triboelectric sensing, along with their respective advantages and limitations. Furthermore, the review discusses the diverse range of materials and fabrication strategies employed in the development of these sensors, such as conductive fibers, yarns, coatings, and printing techniques. Additionally, the methods for enhancing performance are explored, with a focus on enhancing sensitivity, extending sensing range, reducing response time, ensuring stability, increasing stretchability, and improving durability. The review highlights the wide array of applications for textile-based motion sensors, ranging from healthcare and rehabilitation to sports performance analysis and human-machine interaction.