Flex Sensor 2.2 inch

Flex Sensor 2.2" Bend Sensor for Hand Gesture Recognition

The 2.2-inch Flex Sensors are commonly used in Robotic Gloves and other Robotic Control applications. It can be used to analyse how much material is being bent. This flex sensor is 2.2” long and has two output leads that act like a variable resistor. The resistance between two pins changes based on how much the sensor is bent.  It is commonly used along with another resistor to build a voltage divider circuit and then obtain a variable voltage based on the change in resistance of the sensor.

The flex sensor is a bend-detecting sensor that has got numerous applications in robotics, medical and haptic technology. The resistance of these sensors changes in accordance with the bend, which can be measured using any microcontroller.

This is a simple 2.2" long flex sensor that can be used/interfaced with an Arduino. As the sensor is flexed, the resistance across the sensor increases. The resistance of the flex sensor changes when the metal pads are on the outside of the bend (text on inside of the bend). The connector is 0.1" spaced and breadboard friendly. 

Note: Please refrain from flexing or straining this sensor at the base. The usable range of the sensor can be flexed without a problem, but care should be taken to minimize flexing outside of the usable range. For best results, securely mount the base and bottom portion and only allow the actual flex sensor to flex.

Features:

• Length: 2.2 inches (5.6 cm)
• Resistance: Changes as the sensor is bent
• Operating Voltage: 0-5V DC
• Power Rating: 0.5 Watts (continuous), 1 Watt (peak)

Applications:

• Angle Displacement Measurement.
• Bends and Flexes physically with the motion device.
• Robotics Applications
• Gaming (Virtual Motion)
• Can be used in physical therapy

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Working Principle of the 2.2-inch Flex Sensor

A flex sensor changes its resistance based on how much it is bent. When the sensor is straight, it has a lower resistance. As the sensor bends, the conductive ink inside stretches, increasing the resistance. This change in resistance can be measured using a microcontroller (like Arduino) to detect the amount of bend or motion.

• Straight position: Lower resistance (around 10k–30kΩ).
• Bent position: Higher resistance (can go up to 70k–100kΩ depending on bend angle).
• The resistance increases smoothly, making it ideal for motion tracking.

Circuit Connection Example (With Arduino)

Below is a simple voltage divider setup to read sensor values:

• Connect one end of the flex sensor to 5V.
• Connect the other end to A0 (analog pin) and a 47kΩ resistor.
• Connect the other end of the 47kΩ resistor to GND.

Arduino Code Snippet

int flexPin = A0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int sensorValue = analogRead(flexPin);
  Serial.println(sensorValue);
  delay(100);
}

Popular Projects Using the Flex Sensor

• Robotic fingers and hand movement simulation.
• Gesture-controlled robotic arms.
• Smart gloves for gaming and VR control.
• Wearable devices for posture or movement tracking.

Comparison: 2.2-inch Flex Sensor vs 4.5-inch Flex Sensor