Ziyi Zhang

The ocean has an abundant reserve of wave energy, which is considered to be a clean, widely distributed and inexhaustible resource. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been regarded as a reliable technology for harvesting wave energy due to its robustness and efficiency in scavenging random mechanical energy. In this study, a wave energy harvesting multi-tunnel TENG (MT-TENG) has been proposed, which could be integrated easily with ocean buoys. The MT-TENG consists of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) balls and a multi-tunnel frame, which could convert wave energy into electrical energy. The multi-tunnel design also avoids possible mutual obstruction of the PFTE balls during the movement. Compared with the flat type structure, the multi-tunnel structure could enhance output performance obviously. With an agitation frequency of 2 Hz and vibration amplitude of 130 mm, the MT-TENG has a peak power density of 8.3 W/m³, which is five times that of the flat type structure TENG. By integrating with a life buoy and floating pipe line, the MT-TENG could harvest wave energy to light LEDs continuously, which could provide a new solution for maritime rescue and night offshore oil delivery warning.

The human–machine interface plays an important role in the diversified interactions between humans and machines, especially by swaping information exchange between human and machine operations. Considering the high wearable compatibility and self-powered capability, triboelectric-based interfaces have attracted increasing attention. Herein, this work developed a minimalist and stable interacting patch with the function of sensing and robot controlling based on triboelectric nanogenerator. This robust and wearable patch is composed of several flexible materials, namely polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon, hydrogels electrode, and silicone rubber substrate. A signal-processing circuit was used in this patch to convert the sensor signal into a more stable signal (the deviation within 0.1 V), which provides a more effective method for sensing and robot control in a wireless way. Thus, the device can be used to control the movement of robots in real-time and exhibits a good stable performance. A specific algorithm was used in this patch to convert the 1D serial number into a 2D coordinate system, so that the click of the finger can be converted into a sliding track, so as to achieve the trajectory generation of a robot in a wireless way. It is believed that the device-based human–machine interaction with minimalist design has great potential in applications for contact perception, 2D control, robotics, and wearable electronics.