Tactile sensor device based on magnetically active elastomers

Abstract

The invention refers to a tactile sensor device (1) comprising a magnetic sensor element (3) capable of measuring a magnetic field, and a magnetized body (4) of elastomeric material comprising evenly dispersed permanently magnetized filler material (42) generating a permanent inner magnetic field (M); wherein the magnetized body (4) is arranged near the magnetic sensor element (3) such that the magnetic flux density of the inner magnetic field (M) is measurable by the magnetic sensor element (3); and wherein the tactile sensor device (1) further comprises a processing unit configured for detecting a change in the magnetic field upon an external interaction with the tactile sensor device, and wherein the tactile sensor device (1) further comprises a compression body (6) of elastomeric material, wherein the compression body (6) is arranged between the magnetized body (4) and the magnetic sensor element (3).