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Jung Y, Kwon K, Lee J, Ko SH. Untethered soft actuators for soft standalone robotics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3510. [PMID: 38664373 PMCID: PMC11045848 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Soft actuators produce the mechanical force needed for the functional movements of soft robots, but they suffer from critical drawbacks since previously reported soft actuators often rely on electrical wires or pneumatic tubes for the power supply, which would limit the potential usage of soft robots in various practical applications. In this article, we review the new types of untethered soft actuators that represent breakthroughs and discuss the future perspective of soft actuators. We discuss the functional materials and innovative strategies that gave rise to untethered soft actuators and deliver our perspective on challenges and opportunities for future-generation soft actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeongju Jung
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Kangkyu Kwon
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Energy Engineering, Dongguk University, 30 Pildong-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, South Korea.
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
- Institute of Engineering Research / Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design (SNU-IAMD), Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
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Feng H, Zhou P, Peng Q, Weng M. Soft multi-layer actuators integrated with the functions of electrical energy harvest and storage. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303378. [PMID: 38009845 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Soft multi-layer actuators are smart, lightweight, and flexible, which can be used in a wide range of fields such as artificial muscles, advanced medical devices, and wearable devices. The research on the actuation property of the soft actuators has made significant progress, paving the way for the controllable motions of the actuators. However, compared with the intelligence and adaptability of life in nature, these actuators still have the problem of insufficient intelligence. The phenomenon is reflected in a lack of continuous supply of energy. Therefore, it has become a development trend to combine functions such as energy harvesting, storage, and conversion with actuators to build intelligent actuators. This concept presents a synopsis of the advancements made in soft actuators that have been coupled with the capabilities of electrical energy harvesting and storage. The design concepts and typical applications of this soft smart actuators are introduced in detail. Finally, the future research directions and applications of smart actuators are prospected from our perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihang Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, China
| | - Peidi Zhou
- Institute of Smart Marine and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Smart Equipment, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, China
| | - Qinglu Peng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, China
| | - Mingcen Weng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Products of Universities in Fujian, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350118, China
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Yu J, Xu Z, Wan Q, Shuai Y, Wang J, Mao C, Yang M. Ultrafast Bi-Directional Bending Moisture-Responsive Soft Actuators through Superfine Silk Rod Modified Bio-Mimicking Hierarchical Layered Structure. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2309364. [PMID: 38225691 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Development of stimulus-responsive materials is crucial for novel soft actuators. Among these actuators, the moisture-responsive actuators are known for their accessibility, eco-friendliness, and robust regenerative attributes. A major challenge of moisture-responsive soft actuators (MRSAs) is achieving significant bending curvature within short response times. Many plants naturally perform large deformation through a layered hierarchical structure in response to moisture stimuli. Drawing inspiration from the bionic structure of Delosperma nakurense (D. nakurense) seed capsule, here the fabrication of an ultrafast bi-directional bending MRSAs is reported. Combining a superfine silk fibroin rod (SFR) modified graphene oxide (GO) moisture-responsive layer with a moisture-inert layer of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), this actuator demonstrated large bi-directional bending deformation (-4.06 ± 0.09 to 10.44 ± 0.00 cm-1 ) and ultrafast bending rates (7.06 cm-1 s-1 ). The high deformation rate is achieved by incorporating the SFR into the moisture-responsive layers, facilitating rapid water transmission within the interlayer structure. The complex yet predictable deformations of this actuator are demonstrated that can be utilized in smart switch, robotic arms, and walking device. The proposed SFR modification method is simple and versatile, enhancing the functionality of hierarchical layered actuators. It holds the potential to advance intelligent soft robots for application in confined environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Zongpu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Quan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yajun Shuai
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShaTin, Hong Kong, SAR, P. R. China
| | - Mingying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
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