A novel capacitive proximity tactile sensor is formed by an electrode layer and a compressible non-conductive layer. Positioning a conductive object in contact with the sensor and applying contact force onto the sensor surface allows for both detecting the location of touch (as in traditional proximity sensors) as well as measuring contact force (as in tactile array sensors) due to a capacitance-measuring sensor formed between the electrode layer and the object with the compressible non-conductive layer therebetween. Useful applications of the sensor include input device for consumer electronic item, flexible and thin weight scale, shoe insole for monitoring pressure distribution of a foot while walking, pressure-monitoring seat cushion and others.
