Location

Rochester Institute of Technology

Description

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are soft, flexible materials that can generate an electrical response to a stimulus and can be used for a variety of sensing applications, including wearable biosensing. The objective of this project is to investigate the feasibility of using EAP sensors for wearable posture sensing. Proper back posture is essential for everyday tasks since improper back posture can lead to back pain and ultimately, long term back problems. An existing EAP strain sensor was used that generates a capacitive response due to changes in strain. The basic concept is that the sensor will stretch and generate a higher capacitance in response to back flexion. The study involves characterization of an existing stain sensor under conditions that mimic daily use scenarios to evaluate its feasibility as a wearable sensor.

Share

COinS
 

Feasibility of Using Electroactive Polymers for Wearable Posture Sensing

Rochester Institute of Technology

Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are soft, flexible materials that can generate an electrical response to a stimulus and can be used for a variety of sensing applications, including wearable biosensing. The objective of this project is to investigate the feasibility of using EAP sensors for wearable posture sensing. Proper back posture is essential for everyday tasks since improper back posture can lead to back pain and ultimately, long term back problems. An existing EAP strain sensor was used that generates a capacitive response due to changes in strain. The basic concept is that the sensor will stretch and generate a higher capacitance in response to back flexion. The study involves characterization of an existing stain sensor under conditions that mimic daily use scenarios to evaluate its feasibility as a wearable sensor.