Towards paper based diaper sensors

This paper presents our initial efforts towards the development of screen printed sensors on folded paper substrates for multi-modal sensing of biopotentials, wetness, and pressure. These sensors contain three layers of sensing stripes forming a 16-pixel array where various layers are utilized for different sensing modalities. The performance of the paper-based sensors was assessed. The sensors were shown to exhibit a linear capacitive response to changes in force, as well as a decrease in impedance in the presence of wetness. We discuss the integration of these low-cost and partially disposable paper-based sensors into a wearable diaper system for Bluetooth-based wireless heart rate monitoring, respiratory rate tracking and urination frequency and amount detection.