Materials and device architecture towards a multimodal electronic skin

Electronic skins detect external variables and have applications in smart scenarios. However, an isolated device is limited by its intrinsic properties and is only applicable in a limited number of cases. Electronic skins still face challenges in achieving multimodal performance while improving their key parameters. Therefore, multifunctional materials and device architectures are essential in multimodal electronic skins for efficient transfer of external stimuli into electrical signals. This review elaborates on the ideas and specific methods for constructing multimodal electronic skins from the following four aspects: distinguishing external stimuli, decomposing external stimuli, suppressing interference, and decoupling electrical output. The review focuses on sensing materials, mechanisms, structures, and signal decoupling in multimodal electronic skins. Conclusions concerning the effective approaches to immediate problems and potential opportunities in multimodal electronic skins are also provided.