How Electroactive Polymers Measure Inside a Glove

Stretchable Sensors in Medicine How Electroactive Polymers Measure Inside a Glove

2026-11-09 From Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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A spin-off from Saarland University (Germany) has developed a data glove with integrated polymer sensors. The sensors are designed to measure force, pressure, and strain without causing discomfort when worn.

The medical glove from Delfa Systems features built-in polymer sensors that track hand movements and finger positions.(Image: Delfa) — The medical glove from Delfa Systems features built-in polymer sensors that track hand movements and finger positions.
(Image: Delfa)

Motion analysis provides usable data only if the sensor itself does not alter the motion. Rigid force sensors or stiff strain gauges quickly reach their limits in this context, especially when used on the body or in textiles. Delfa Systems aims to fill precisely this gap with sensors made of electroactive polymers (EAP).

Deformation Is Converted into an Electrical Signal

According to Delfa, the polymers change their electrical properties when they are loaded, stretched, or deformed. Force, pressure, touch, strain, and motion can be derived from this change. According to the company, they rely on dielectric elastomers. These are a subgroup of EAPs. An elastic silicone film is sandwiched between two stretchable electrodes. When the film is stretched, the electrode area increases while the distance between the electrodes decreases. This causes the capacitance to rise. Essentially, the sensor is a deformable plate capacitor. The same design principle can be used in reverse as an actuator, and Delfa states that it is also developing actuators.

Flat, Stretchy, and Integrable into Textiles

The company cites the low profile as a key advantage. The sensors are thin, flexible, and stretchable, and can be adapted to various shapes. They can also be directly integrated into textiles such as belts or clothing. Delfa cites posture monitoring, motion analysis, medical assistance systems, and wearables as potential applications.

Delfa demonstrates this using the example of a glove that tracks hand movements and finger positions. The company sees potential applications in motion capture, digital assistance systems, and sign language translation. “With our EAP sensors, we aim to bridge the gap between high-performance measurement technology and products suitable for everyday use,” says Managing Director Dr.-Ing. Philipp Linnebach. Textile applications in particular demonstrate “that sensor technology doesn’t have to be visible, intrusive, or rigid.”

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