Dual‐Mode Conductive Hydrogel Sensor Combining Triboelectric and Piezoresistive Mechanisms for Signal Differentiation and Verification

Today's sensors must go beyond simple detection; they need to adapt, identify differences, and intelligently interpret complex real‐world interactions. However, most sensing technologies rely on a single mechanism, which imposes limitations, such as triboelectric sensors struggling to detect static or sustained touches. In contrast, piezoresistive sensors tend to pick up irrelevant environmental noise. To address these challenges, we present a dual‐mode sensor constructed from a physically cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyaniline‐silver nanoparticle hydrogel, which combines high sensitivity and adaptability. By engineering a hierarchical percolation network, the hydrogel achieves a gauge factor of 0.448, representing a 244% increase over the original hydrogel sensor. The dual‐sensor design incorporates a volume‐controlled piezoresistive mechanism, yielding a sensitivity of 3.557 kPa −1 . This synchronized dual‐signal system enables intelligent sensing, such as differentiating between mechanical touch and environmental moisture in real time, by suppressing triboelectric signals while preserving resistive signals. In a reverse configuration, a mechanical decoupling system that isolates the conductive hydrogel from external electrodes blocks the direct resistive pathway while electrostatic induction maintains the triboelectric signal. Additionally, accurate tactile mapping is achieved using a self‐verifying 4 × 4 dual‐mode triboelectric and piezoresistive tactile sensing array.