a high - sensitivity pressure conduction sensor is presented . the present invention includes a pair of locally resilient conductive layers and a locally resilient pressure conduction composite disposed between and contacting both conductive layers . alternate embodiments include at least three locally resilient conductive layers and at least two locally resilient pressure conduction composites , each having a critical percolation threshold . each composite is disposed between and contacting two conductive layers in a multi - layer fashion . other embodiments include a locally resilient pressure conduction composite , a flexible substrate completely surrounding the composite so as to seal it therein , and a pair of electrical leads contacting the composite and terminating outside of the flexible substrate . pressure conduction composites are composed of a plurality of conductive particles electrically isolated within a non - conductive matrix . conductive particles are loaded so as to have a volume fraction approaching the critical percolation threshold of the material system and exhibit a conductance that greatly increases with pressure . sensors may be arranged to form one or more arrays including planar and conformal configurations . the present invention has immediate application in keyboards , intrusion systems , control systems , submarines , ships , sonobuoys , doors , and switches .