FORCIOT® solution measures dynamic force and pressure distribution, processes the measured raw data with specific advanced algorithms and sends the resulting real-time data to the connected application or interface. The measurement solution consists of three main elements: Printed stretchable sensor, interconnection electronics and embedded software. All elements are integrated into the customer’s product.

Additional sensors like temperature and motion sensors, can be used to generate data for algorithms and power management. Energy management can be handled in various alternative ways, depending on the customer application: with external power supply, replaceable batteries, or rechargeable batteries by using either wireless or USB charging. Energy harvesting can be designed as a parallel option for limited applications.

There is high stretchability for the entire sensor structure

The sensor is formed from very thin layers of stretchable and conformable materials each having different and optimized electromechanical characteristics. The core of the sensor technology is based on printing conductive material into thin stretchable sheets. Because of the thinness and stretchability, sensors can be integrated into demanding elastic environments and 3D surfaces. Parameters which can be customized are the number of sensors, the area and thickness of sensors, sensor placements, applied force scale for sensors and non-conductive surface materials. These parameters, as well as electrical and material specific aging parameters, are used in a specific compensation and self-calibrating algorithm to ensure reliable and accurate results in different conditions, throughout the entire lifetime of the product.

Embedded algorithm software and machine learning

Each sensor is individually connected to the electronics module through a connector. The module reads analogue values from sensors, converts those to digital form, applies self-calibration and compensation algorithms to individual electrode values and sends the data forward to the connected application or interface – either by wireless or wired connection. Machine Learning technologies are being applied in algorithm development. If required, Forciot’s algorithm SW package can be integrated in the customer’s embedded system.