biostudies-literatureZhou JCity University of Hong Kong (CityU)Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation CommissionCity University of Hong Kong9875https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11564823biostudies-literatureUnknown15(1)The capacity to discern and locate positions in three-dimensional space is crucial for human-machine interfaces and robotic perception. However, current soft electronics can only obtain two-dimensional spatial locations through physical contact. In this study, we report a non-contact position targeting concept enabled by transparent and thin soft electronic skin (E-skin) with three-dimensional sensing capabilities. Inspired by the active electrosensation of mormyroidea fish, this E-skin actively ascertains the 3D positions of targeted objects in a contactless manner and can wirelessly convey the corresponding positions to other devices in real-time. Consequently, this E-skin readily enables interaction with machines, i.e., manipulating virtual objects, controlling robotic arms, and drones Nature communicationsMormyroidea-inspired electronic skin for active non-contact three-dimensional tracking and sensing.PMC115648239667221, 9678274, 9610444SGDX20220530111401011Yao KLi HZheng ZWu MLi JHu YShi RLi DZhuang QJia HMukherji MLiu YYang YHuang YJia SHuang XZhao GGao YGao ZZhang BYu XZhou JYiu CKfalseMormyroidea-inspired electronic skin for active non-contact three-dimensional tracking and sensing.The capacity to discern and locate positions in three-dimensional space is crucial for human-machine interfaces and robotic perception. However, current soft electronics can only obtain two-dimensional spatial locations through physical contact. In this study, we report a non-contact position targeting concept enabled by transparent and thin soft electronic skin (E-skin) with three-dimensional sensing capabilities. Inspired by the active electrosensation of mormyroidea fish, this E-skin actively ascertains the 3D positions of targeted objects in a contactless manner and can wirelessly convey the corresponding positions to other devices in real-time. Consequently, this E-skin readily enables interaction with machines, i.e., manipulating virtual objects, controlling robotic arms, and drones 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Nov2026-07-16T21:22:19.241Z2025-04-07T04:31:25.609ZS-EPMC115648233954313510.1038/s41467-024-54249-3