Academics from Northwestern Polytechnical University in China have developed sensors capable of using human movements to power wearable technology devices including smartwatches and fitness trackers.

The work, supported by Richard Fu, a professor from Northumbria University in the UK, harnesses power from movements such as bending, twisting and stretching.

Self-powered pressure sensors are one of the key components used in these smart electronic devices, which are growing in popularity. The sensors can operate without the need for external power supplies.

Detecting health conditions and measuring performance in sport are among the potential uses for these types of sensors. As a result, they are the focus of research and development, but remain difficult to produce with the performance sensing, flexibility and sufficient level of power needed for wearable technology.

A research paper published in the international scientific journal Advanced Science describes how the team led by Weizheng Yuan, Honglong Chang and Kai Tao from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), has worked with Fu to develop the technology.

Their method involves using materials with pre-patterned pyramid shapes to create friction against the silicone polymer known as polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS. This friction generates a self-powering effect, or triboelectricity, which can enhance the energy available to power a wearable device.

“This results in a self-powered tactile sensor with wide environmental tolerance and excellent sensing performance, and it can detect subtle pressure changes by measuring the variations of triboelectric output signal without an external power supply,” said Tao. “The sensor design has been tested and is capable of controlling electrical appliances and robotic hands by simulating human finger gestures, confirming its potential for use in wearable technology.”

Fu added: “This self-powered sensor based on hydrogels has a simple fabrication process, but with a superb flexibility, good transparency, fast response and high stability.”

The research is supported by the Royal Society International Exchange Project. NPU is one of Northumbria University’s key international strategy partners. Fu, with a key research area in smart materials and microsystems, has been working with collaborators in NPU for a number of years.

Honglong Chang, dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering at NPU, said Northumbria University was one of their most important international partners.

“One of our important tasks this year is to further promote the cooperative relationship with Northumbria University,” he said. “We are organising NU-NPU bilateral academic forums this year, and we look forward to establishing strong collaborations in various research areas with Northumbria University.”

Jon Reast, pro vice-chancellor (international) at Northumbria University, said he was delighted with the success of the partnership with NPU. “It’s fantastic that this research collaboration is proving successful and producing such ground-breaking work,” he said. “We work closely with more than 500 partner universities, colleges and schools across the world. Within these, NPU is one of a set of extremely high-quality research-led university partners. The relationship with NPU includes researchers within smart materials engineering as well as smart design and is producing some truly excellent, impactful research in both areas.”