This Flex Sensor changes resistance as it bends, making it a simple way to add bend or motion sensing to wearables, robotics, musical instruments, and interactive electronics projects.
This sensor can detect flexing or bending in one direction. They were popularized by being used in the Nintendo PowerGlove as a gaming interface.
These sensors are easy to use, they are basically resistors that change value based on how much they're flexed. If they're unflexed, the resistance is about ~10KΩ. When flexed all the way the resistance rises to ~20KΩ. They're pretty similar to FSRs so following this tutorial will get you started. You can use an analogue input on a microcontroller (with a pullup resistor) or a digital input with the use of a 0.1uF capacitor for RC timing.
The bottom part of the sensor (where the pins are crimped on) is very delicate so make sure to have strain relief - such as clamping or gluing that part so as not to rip out the contacts!
Features
Detects flexing or bending in one direction
Resistance changes from ~10kΩ (unflexed) to ~20kΩ (fully flexed)
Compatible with microcontroller analogue inputs using a pullup resistor
Compatible with digital inputs using a 0.1µF capacitor for RC timing
Requires strain relief on connector end to prevent pin damage
Similar operating principle to force-sensing resistors (FSRs)
Durable construction for repeated flexing applications
