The Flex Sensor changes resistance as it bends, making it ideal for motion sensing, wearable projects, robotics, and gesture-based interfaces where detecting flex or movement is required.

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 are flexed. If they’re unflexed, the resistance is about ~25K. When flexed all the way the resistance rises to ~100K. They’re pretty similar to FSRs so following this tutorial will get you started. You can use an analogue input on a micro-controller (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 ranges from approximately 25k when unflexed to 100k when fully flexed
• Functions as a variable resistor that changes value based on flex intensity
• Compatible with analogue microcontroller inputs using a pull-up resistor
• Compatible with digital inputs using a 0.1F capacitor for RC timing
• Requires strain relief on the crimped pin connection to prevent contact damage
• Originally popularised by Nintendo PowerGlove gaming interface

Specifications

• Length: 77.57mm
• Width: 6.41mm
• Thickness: 0.48mm
• Weight: 0.27g

Resources

• Datasheet

Package Contents

• 1x Short Flex Sensor