Whisker sensors are bio-inspired tactile sensing systems modeled after the vibrissae of mammals such as rats, cats, and seals. In nature, whiskers provide animals with an extraordinary ability to detect objects, sense textures, and perceive fluid motion in dark or cluttered environments where vision and hearing fail. Translating this principle into technology, bio-whisker sensors enable robots to “feel” their surroundings with high precision, extending robotic perception beyond traditional cameras or LiDAR.

The motivation behind this research is to create soft, flexible, and non-invasive sensors that can provide reliable tactile intelligence in domains where conventional sensing is limited. Unlike rigid probes or destructive testing methods, whisker sensors interact gently with their environment, making them ideal for delicate, dynamic, or safety-critical applications. By integrating piezoelectric materials, advanced signal processing, and machine learning, our prototypes achieve millisecond response times, high sensitivity, and long-term durability, bringing natural touch-inspired sensing into robotics and engineering.

The applications of this work span multiple fields:

• Biomedical engineering: non-invasive surface contour detection and tissue stiffness assessment.
• Agriculture: rapid, non-destructive evaluation of fruit ripeness and quality monitoring during harvesting or storage.
• Robotics: enhanced environmental perception for mobile and manipulator robots operating in low-visibility or hazardous conditions.
• Marine and underwater sensing: flow detection and motion tracking inspired by seal whiskers, supporting ecological monitoring and navigation.
• Industrial inspection: fine contour detection of complex surfaces where precision and delicacy are critical.

  Simulation of Whisker Sensor Array for underwater Point source vibration measurements

In this study, we successfully designed and simulated a piezoelectric whisker sensor array inspired by seal vibrissae for underwater flow and vibration detection. The system demonstrated the ability to convert von Kármán vortices into measurable voltage signals, with clear frequency peaks identified via FFT analysis. By systematically varying whisker geometry, angle, elasticity, and array layout, we optimized the sensor to achieve clean signal responses with minimal numerical noise. The array configuration further enhanced detection, enabling stable and periodic voltage outputs aligned with vortex frequencies. These results validate the feasibility of whisker-inspired sensors for robust operation in turbid or low-visibility environments, outperforming traditional sonar or optical methods. The project establishes a strong foundation for future 3D modeling, experimental prototyping, and applications in underwater robotics, biomedical sensing, and environmental monitoring.

• Sadeghi, M., Abbasimoshaei, A., Schwartz, C., Kern, T.A., (2024), Designing, Fabricating, and Analyzing the Whisker Sensor for Autonomous Surface Defect Detection, Eurosensors, Debrecen, Hungary.

Curious how animals like seals use whiskers to sense their world? At our institute, we transform this natural ability into advanced piezoelectric/magnetic sensors for robotics, biomedical devices,, and underwater exploration. As a Master’s or Bachelor’s student, you’ll work hands-on with sensor design, simulation study, signal processing, and machine learning, helping to push the boundaries of tactile intelligence.

Contact Person: Dr.-Ing. Mohammad Sadeghi