Shape-sensing sheet digitally tracks its movement as it bends and twists
Summary
MIT engineers have developed a flexible shape-sensing sheet that digitally reconstructs its own form as it bends and twists. The device uses bidirectional, roughened optical fibers embedded in a soft silicone sheet and an algorithm to convert light patterns into a real-time 3D reconstruction, with sub-centimeter accuracy and resilience to fiber damage. Potential applications include wearables for physical therapy, VR, and tele-operated robotics.