Abstract: This invention relates to a device for sensing interaction with its surrounding environment, the device including: a plurality of sensing points (11); a plurality of detectors (12), each associated with one of said sensing points (11) and located remotely therefrom; a plurality of channels (14) which connect said sensing points (11) to said detectors (12) and provide a communication pathway therebetween; and communication media filling the channels, wherein each detector (12) is in communication with the associated sensing point or points (11) through one of said channels (14) and the medium in said channel (14) is arranged to transmit, transfer or transduce an interaction of the sensing point (11) with its surrounding environment to the detector (12) through the channel (14). The invention also relates to prosthetics which incorporate such devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a touch sensor having a layered structure, the layers including: a substrate; and a touch-sensitive layer formed of single-layer graphene and having a plurality of coplanar electrodes formed therein. Embodiments of the touch sensor are flexible and stretchable, making them suitable for use as an artificial skin. Further embodiments of the touch sensor are also capable of sensing pressure as well as touch. Further embodiments are substantially transparent and can therefore include a photovoltaic layer under the touch-sensitive layer which can provide a degree of energy autonomy. Further aspects of the invention provide prosthetic devices having such touch sensors forming a sensitive skin, and a method of manufacturing a touch sensor wherein interdigitated electrodes are cut in single-layer graphene by a blade-cutting process.