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JRM Vol.38 No.4 pp. 1100-1108
(2026)

Paper:

Proposal of a Flexible Sensor with an Inflatable Structure in Learning Pressure Massage Techniques

Yasutaka Nishioka* ORCID Icon, Hitoshi Yamauchi*, Keiko Seki**, Shinya Nakajima***, and Junpei Kato***

*Department of Mechanical System Engineering, The University of Shiga Prefecture
2500 Hassaka, Hikone, Shiga 522-8533, Japan

**Department of Human Nursing, The University of Shiga Prefecture
2500 Hassaka, Hikone, Shiga 522-8533, Japan

***Department of Kyoto Kagaku Corporation
15 Kitanegoya-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 612-8388, Japan

Received:
November 10, 2025
Accepted:
May 7, 2026
Published:
August 20, 2026
Keywords:
soft sensor, pneumatic system, inflatable structure, massage
Abstract

Massage has both physical and mental benefits. Pressure massage is suitable for exerting a strong force on the skin’s surface in the normal direction. This technique is taught visually or using force feedback. Quantitative evaluation and learning methodologies are required. In this study, we propose a learning support system for massage techniques. The applied force and angle are quantitatively evaluated. Large forces, such as those applied during a massage, are difficult to measure using conventional rigid sensors or sensors incapable of handling large displacements. Therefore, we propose a flexible three-axis force sensor with an inflatable structure using pneumatics. The sensor is made of a non-elastic material; therefore, it can measure large forces based on volume changes. We show the design and construction of the proposed sensor and evaluate it.

Schematic of pressure massage learning support system

Schematic of pressure massage learning support system

Cite this article as:
Y. Nishioka, H. Yamauchi, K. Seki, S. Nakajima, and J. Kato, “Proposal of a Flexible Sensor with an Inflatable Structure in Learning Pressure Massage Techniques,” J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.38 No.4, pp. 1100-1108, 2026.
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Last updated on Aug. 19, 2026