LG Innotek Co., an electronic device components making unit of South Korean conglomerate LG Group, succeeded in developing a textile-type flexible pressure sensor that can be rolled and can detect pressure evenly across the surface, making a big stride in the pressure sensor industry.

A pressure sensor is used to detect pressure and measure pressure differences, but existing coin-shaped pressure sensors have limitations in detecting pressure evenly across a wide surface. According to LG Innotek on Wednesday, its textile-type flexible pressure sensor, however, is possible to roll, cut, and patch the pressure sensor textile together like fabrics and can sense pressure evenly on a large surface.

The textile-based flexible pressure sensor is 1 millimeter thick with a surface area of 1 square meters. It endured over 240 hours in extreme temperatures ranging from 40 degrees below zero to 80 degrees Celsius and lasted even after a person weighing 70 kilograms sit on it 100,000 times during the test, the company said.

The new pressure sensor textile is expected to be used in various areas, in particular, medical and auto sectors. Medical devices embedded with the pressure sensor will make it possible to check a patient’s physical condition easily and remotely by monitoring balance system and behavioral patterns. Also, cars with seats designed with the textile pressure sensor will improve safety and comfort by monitoring driver and passenger’s posture, weight, and body shape, the company claims.

LG Innotek applied for 13 patents related to the newly developed product and expects to commercialize it within this year.

According to market research agency BBC Research & Consulting, the global pressure sensor market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 percent to $16.3 billion in 2019 from $11.5 billion in 2014.

By Kim Jung-hwan

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