These wireless, ultra-thin and battery-free strain sensors are 10 times more sensitive Light-weight strain sensors incorporated into soft rehabilitation gloves. Credit: National University of Singapore. Scientists create a new range of nanomaterial strain sensors that are 10 times more sensitive when measuring minute movements, compared to existing technology. This is the first step towards improving the safety and precision of industrial robotic arms. The study was conducted by a research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by Assistant Professor Chen Po-Yen. Fabricated using flexible, stretchable, and electrically conductive nanomaterials called MXenes, these novel strain sensors are ultra-thin, battery-free and can transmit data wirelessly.