sensors design and FIG. 7(k) the single sensor design. Similarly, FIG. 7(d) shows bending of both arches 704, 706 and the corresponding outputs for the two separate sensor design FIG. 7(h) and the single sensor design FIG. 7(1). [067] The finger bending sensor of FIG. 7(a) is attached onto the human index finger for characterization. Each arch sits right above one finger joint to sense the bending movement of the finger joint. The PIP and the M P of the index finger are indicated in the figures, and the output signal of PIP and M P corresponding to different bending angles are also shown. [068] Applications for Fland Motion Capture [069] To decouple the two parameters (PIP and MP), a new design of two arches is fabricated using two pieces of textile in non-contacting arrangement -i.e. no connection, such as direct connection, either physically or electrically. Each arch structure can readily identify the bending angles of the corresponding finger joint. Using the optimized finger bending sensor, applications can be demonstrated in hand motion capturing. By attaching the two- arch shaped finger bending sensors onto both the index and the middle finger as indicated by numerals 800 and 802 in FIG. 8a, the four hand motions which represent four alphabet signs "A", "B", "C", "D" in the American Sign Language with different bending angles of the index and middle fingers can be measured and achieved. Relevantly, FIG. 8 shows FIG. 8(a) a photo of as fabricated finger gesture sensor, comprising sensors 800 and 802, FIG. 8(b) illustrates the alphabet signs "A", "B", "C", "D" in American Sigf)n Language, and output signals from the four electrodes (two per sensor 800, 802) and shown for "A" in FIG. 8(c), "B" in FIG. 8(d), "C" and FIG. 8(e) and "D" in FIG. 8(f). A single instance of performance of the hand gesture or sign is bounded by a broken-line box in each output figure. [070] Applications for Robotic Hand Control [071] The finger sensor also offers the possibility of providing a sensing signal for robotic hand control. The output signal from each sensor is recorded and processed to control the movement of the robotic hand, and the amplitude of the output determines the bending angles of the robot hand controlled through a computer. The hand gestures and corresponding output signals of each arch-shaped sensor is illustrated in FIG. 9, the gestures of human hand and corresponding response gesture of the robotic hand are demonstrated. Relevantly, FIG. 9 shows FIG. 9(a) photos of four finger motion sensors with different patterns, mounted to a human hand by a glove, FIG. 9(b) shows the output signals corresponding from the four electrodes or sensory devices mounted t o the hand shown in FIG. 9(a), and FIG. 9(c) shows a robotic hand being controlled based on output signals from the sensors. [072] Smart Textile for Healthcare Applications