New flexible, wearable sensor provides real-time intelligent monitoring

Badminton is a game of speed, precision, and quick movements. To reach the top of the sport, players need every edge they can get.

By combining cutting-edge technology with sports science, Lyuliang University researchers have created a tool that can help badminton players reach their full potential.

They have developed a new intelligent monitoring system solution. This is a flexible, wearable sensor that can provide real-time feedback on a player’s performance.

According to the researchers, this sensor is an affordable and adaptable solution that addresses the limitations of current badminton performance monitoring systems. Traditional training methods may often be time-consuming and subjective.

Triboelectric-based sensor

Badminton’s dynamic nature is defined by complicated motions and demanding physical attributes. This presents unique challenges for performance analysis.

The currently used methods, such as video capture and rigid sensors, sometimes fall short of delivering complete information about player posture, footwork, arm swings, and muscular strength.

“We integrated our expertise in flexible sensor technology and intelligent perception systems into badminton motion monitoring for a quantitative analysis of badminton techniques, to provide more professional guidance for badminton players,” said Yun Yang, the author of the study, in the press release.

These sensors are made from a special material called triboelectric. When two different materials rub against each other, a triboelectric sensor captures the resulting electrical charge. This eliminates the need for an external power supply. They’re comfortable to wear and can be placed on various parts of the body.

97.2% accuracy achieved

The team created a flexible, 3D-printed arch-shaped sensor encased in a soft material (thermoplastic elastomer) to prevent interference of bending and twisting during movement. This design ensures comfort and customization for individual athletes.

Equipped with a multichannel acquisition card and advanced neural network algorithms, the intelligent system offers continuous monitoring and immediate feedback to the athlete. It can precisely recognize seven fundamental badminton strokes, such as forehand and backhand serves and hooks.

The sensors capture data on the athlete’s movements, including arm swings, footwork, and posture. This information is then analyzed by advanced algorithms to identify areas for improvement. This allows for targeted training and faster progress.

The study demonstrated that the sensor managed to give results with a 97.2% accuracy rate.

The potential applications of this technology extend beyond badminton . The sensor’s athletic-friendly design enables it to accurately capture a wide range of body motions, from wrist and finger movements to larger joint actions like elbow, shoulder, and knee bends.

“Our research provides new ideas for solving the problems of large joint bends or twists faced by current 3D-printed triboelectric sensors,” said Yang.

“It offers a new solution for monitoring and analyzing triboelectric sensors in badminton and can be extended to other smart sports fields. This has great potential for intelligent sports monitoring and analysis in the era of big data,” Yang added in the press release .

Building upon their current research, the team aims to harness triboelectric sensor technology for advancements in human health, specifically in monitoring and diagnosing medical conditions.

The findings have been reported in the journal APL Materials .