Nanowerk
Stretchable nanocomposite sensor converts underwater ultrasound into neural signals
Schematic illustration of the artificial ultrasonic sensory synapse (AUSS) inspired by the dolphin auditory system. (Image: SKKU) (click on image to enlarge)
Dolphins navigate even in dark and murky waters by emitting ultrasonic waves and detecting the echoes reflected from surrounding objects, allowing them to accurately identify underwater terrain and locate prey. This ability is known as echolocation. With recent advances in robotic skin and wearable electronics, technologies capable of detecting ultrasonic signals and processing them in a manner similar to the nervous system have attracted growing attention.
However, conventional inorganic materials are prone to fracture, while flexible polymer materials often fail to recover their original…
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