Abstract: A smart roller comprises: an exterior annular cylinder portion comprising an elastomeric material and having an exterior cylindrical surface; a sensor array imbedded in a volume of the exterior annular cylinder portion, the sensor array extending in an axial direction and in a circumferential direction of the exterior annular cylinder portion, the array comprising a plurality of independently sampleable sensor elements, each sensor element located for measurement at a corresponding axial and circumferential sensor location; a rigid interior portion, at least a portion of the rigid interior section disposed in a bore of the exterior annular cylinder portion, the rigid interior portion connected to the exterior annular cylinder portion for unitary rotational movement therewith; and readout electronics operably connected to the sensor array and configurable to independently sample sensor output from each of the sensor elements.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the described technology provide a stretchable electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell may comprise an anode, a cathode, first and second current collectors electrically coupled to the anode and cathode respectively and a porous separator configured to carry an electrolyte solution. Components of the electrochemical cell may comprise a non-polar polymer or a polymer composition. Two adjacent components may comprise the same non-polar polymer or polymer composition. The electrochemical cell may also comprise an encapsulation at least partially enclosing components of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A sensor comprises conductive elements arranged and connected for proximity sensing. The conductive elements are formed of an ionically conductive polymer. The sensor may also include conductive elements arranged and connected for touch sensing. The conductive elements may be connected to an alternating-current (AC) source. Another sensor comprises one or more conductive elements arranged and connected for touch sensing by detecting resistivity changes in the one or more conductive elements. A flexible and transparent sensor is also provided, which comprises a layer of a piezoelectric polymer and conductive elements in contact with the layer for transmitting an electric signal generated by compression of the layer. Methods and processes for using such sensors are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor comprises conductive elements arranged and connected for proximity sensing. The conductive elements are formed of an ionically conductive polymer. The sensor may also include conductive elements arranged and connected for touch sensing. The conductive elements may be connected to an alternating-current (AC) source. Another sensor comprises one or more conductive elements arranged and connected for touch sensing by detecting resistivity changes in the one or more conductive elements. A flexible and transparent sensor is also provided, which comprises a layer of a piezoelectric polymer and conductive elements in contact with the layer for transmitting an electric signal generated by compression of the layer. Methods and processes for using such sensors are also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a fluid consuming electrode and a fluid regulating system for controlling the rate of entry of fluids into the cell. The fluid regulating system may include a valve for controlling the rate of entry of fluids into the cell and an actuator for operating the valve. The actuator comprises an ionic polymer that responds to changes in a potential applied across the actuator to open or close the valve. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises at least one conducting polymer. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises polypyrrole, at least one polypyrrole derivative, or mixtures of two of more thereof.