Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to sensor apparatuses and methods thereof. An example sensor apparatus includes a plurality of capacitors and sensor circuitry. The plurality of capacitors including a first substrate having a plurality of first electrodes, a second substrate having a second electrode, and a dielectric material, and with the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode being separated by the dielectric material. The plurality of first electrodes are aligned with respect to the second electrode such that each of plurality of first electrodes form one of the plurality of capacitors with the second electrode. The sensor circuitry is coupled to the plurality of capacitors to differentiate between normal and shear forces applied to apparatus based on a pattern of impedance responses of each of the plurality of capacitors formed by the second electrode and the plurality of first electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include apparatuses, devices, and methods. For example, an apparatus includes an electronic force sensor having a first opposing electrode and a second opposing electrode. The first and second opposing electrodes are configured to generate an output indicative of a force applied to the electronic force sensor. The electronic force sensor further includes a plurality of recoverably-deformable structures arranged between the first and the second opposing electrodes and having a plurality of conductive-resistive elements. Each of the recoverably-deformable structures including at least one of a variable conductor and a variable resistor and configured and arranged with attributes that set a force sensitivity of the electronic force sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include apparatuses, devices, and methods. For example, an apparatus includes an electronic force sensor having a first opposing electrode and a second opposing electrode. The first and second opposing electrodes are configured to generate an output indicative of a force applied to the electronic force sensor. The electronic force sensor further includes a plurality of recoverably-deformable structures arranged between the first and the second opposing electrodes and having a plurality of conductive-resistive elements. Each of the recoverably-deformable structures including at least one of a variable conductor and a variable resistor and configured and arranged with attributes that set a force sensitivity of the electronic force sensor.