This thesis introduces and investigates the use of metal over capacitive touch (metal over cap) sensor technology in a matrix for measuring applied forces. This opens the possibility of using metal over cap for positional force sensing, which detects both the amplitude and location of an applied force. The robustness and durability which follows with metal over cap technology could be used as a more robust alternative to common positional force sensing modules. To investigate this possibility, associated questions were asked and answered throughout this thesis:

[RQ1] How much force does the module need to be loaded with, in order to detect a press? I.e., what sensitivity does the module achieve?

[RQ2] What positional accuracy of an applied force can the module achieve?

[RQ3] How does the thickness of the metal sheet (front panel) influence the positional accuracy of an applied force?

A module of metal over cap sensors in a matrix was designed and constructed in iterations in an experimental study to answer the research questions.

The sensor was tested to have a median sensitivity of 77 mN to detect a force for the most sensitive artifact. It had a positional accuracy diameter of up to 44 mm for the artifact that achieved the highest accuracy.

The influence of the metal sheet thickness regarding the positional accuracy is that a thinner sheet reaches its maximum positional accuracy with less force than a thicker sheet.  

The fabrication of the sensor showed issues and inconsistencies between the three layers of the artifact. Therefor worse results were concluded than expected due to these said inconsistencies. The end product would benefit from further refinements and improvements of the construction and stability.