Distributed Pressure Sensor Based on Electroactive Materials for Automotive Application

The development of distributed pressure sensors based on conducting polymers for automotive application is described. These pressure sensors can be placed on large surfaces due to its flexibility and low cost. As a consequence, pressure data are obtained not only from some discrete points but also from continuous surface points. 256 of these sensors have been placed on an automotive seat, giving the so-called “smart automotive seat”. These sensors are able to provide information about the person on the seat (adult, child, size, weight, etc.). This information can be used by the central electronic system in the vehicle for activation and modulation (or deactivate if necessary) of security systems (airbag, seat belt’s prestress system, etc.). Response time is lower than 2 milliseconds, and it works in pressure ranges of 0.05–10 kg/cm2, showing a lifetime of more than 10 millions of actuations.