This tactile trackpad module features a high-density array of 36 MEMS barometric pressure sensors within a compact 50 × 65 mm form factor, enabling high-resolution tactile sensing. Although primarily designed as a tactile trackpad, the platform has potential applications in robotics, advanced human–machine interfaces, haptic research, and other pressure-sensing systems.

The primary objective of this work is to investigate the performance characteristics of dense pressure-sensor arrays, including achievable sampling frequency, spatial resolution, sensitivity, noise behavior, and potential hysteresis effects. The study also explores other factors that may influence measurement accuracy, responsiveness, and overall system performance in high-density tactile sensing configurations.

In addition to the tactile trackpad module, a dedicated controller board has been developed to interface with the sensor array and facilitate data acquisition. The controller is responsible for sensor communication, data collection, and transfer to a host system for further processing and analysis. The complete controller design, including schematics, PCB layout files, firmware, and related documentation, has been open-sourced and is available on GitHub

At present, only the basic functionality of the tactile sensing module has been validated, as development was temporarily paused due to commitments to other projects. Several aspects of the system remain under development, including the communication protocol, firmware enhancements, and the silicone surface molding required for the final tactile trackpad interface.

Figure 1: Shows the populated tactile sensing module with MEMS barometric pressure sensors.