Threshold switching synaptic device with tactile memory function

The development of efficient construction of neuromorphic sensory systems for the next generation of neurorobots and electronic prostheses is highly expected but also challenging. Here, we present a simple two-terminal piezo-resistive threshold switching (PRTS) synaptic device for the emulation of synaptic dynamics that simultaneously exhibits volatile resistive switching (RS) and pressure-tunable synaptic behaviors. The designed synaptic device, which mimics the functions of the human tactile system, simplifies the complex circuit design needed to recognize an external pressure image in the pressure memory network and improves the efficiency and recognition rate of subsequent processing tasks compared with those of traditional pressure sensors. This study opens up the possibility to simplify the neurological circuits of tactile perception systems, with promising applications in electronic skin and prosthetics.