A sensor that can detect and differentiate muscle movements caused by changes in emotion has been developed by a local research team.

The team led by professor Lee Nae-eung of Sungkyunkwan University developed the flexible sensor, which can be attached to the skin and can detect minute movements that occur when the facial expression changes. 



The team’s study, which was published in the journal ACS Nano, used sensors made of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) sandwiched between elastomeric composite of polyurethane (PU)-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS).

The resulting device can be attached to the face to detect changes in electric currents within the facial muscles.

The team projects that the sensor, and more advanced versions of the device, can be used to improve the human-machine interface.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)