Switching between Sensor Signal Acquisition and Power Transmission Using Liquid Metal Droplets in Channels

We present a liquid metal droplet (LMD)-based signal switching mechanism to perform both sensor signal acquisition and power transmission. For evaluation of its capabilities, we integrate a resistive sensor and light-emitting diode (LED) into a switching device. Then, we obtain the resistive sensor signals from the real part of the impedance of the switching device. In addition, we successfully transmit power to the LED through the LMD, even under a fluctuating resistive sensor signal. Our mechanism is expected to facilitate the integration of multiple sensors and actuators, especially into elongated devices, likely contributing to the development of smart microdevices.