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Tian X, Guo Y, Zhang J, Ivasishin OM, Jia J, Yan J. Fiber Actuators Based on Reversible Thermal Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306952. [PMID: 38175860 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Soft actuators inspired by the movement of organisms have attracted extensive attention in the fields of soft robotics, electronic skin, artificial intelligence, and healthcare due to their excellent adaptability and operational safety. Liquid crystal elastomer fiber actuators (LCEFAs) are considered as one of the most promising soft actuators since they can provide reversible linear motion and are easily integrated or woven into complex structures to perform pre-programmed movements such as stretching, rotating, bending, and expanding. The research on LCEFAs mainly focuses on controllable preparation, structural design, and functional applications. This review, for the first time, provides a comprehensive and systematic review of recent advances in this important field by focusing on reversible thermal response LCEFAs. First, the thermal driving mechanism, and direct and indirect heating strategies of LCEFAs are systematically summarized and analyzed. Then, the fabrication methods and functional applications of LCEFAs are summarized and discussed. Finally, the challenges and technical difficulties that may hinder the performance improvement and large-scale production of LCEFAs are proposed, and the development opportunities of LCEFAs are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwang Tian
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yongshi Guo
- College of Textile, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Orest M Ivasishin
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jiru Jia
- School of Textile Garment and Design, Changshu Institute of Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215500, China
| | - Jianhua Yan
- College of Textile, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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2
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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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3
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Guo X, Li W, Fang F, Chen H, Zhao L, Fang X, Yi Z, Shao L, Meng G, Zhang W. Encoded sewing soft textile robots. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3855. [PMID: 38181076 PMCID: PMC10776007 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating soft actuation with soft yet durable textiles could effectively endow the latter with active and flexible shape morphing and motion like mollusks and plants. However, creating highly programmable and customizable soft robots based on textiles faces a longstanding design and manufacturing challenge. Here, we report a methodology of encoded sewing constraints for efficiently constructing three-dimensional (3D) soft textile robots through a simple 2D sewing process. By encoding heterogeneous stretching properties into three spatial seams of the sewed 3D textile shells, nonlinear inflation of the inner bladder can be guided to follow the predefined spatial shape and actuation sequence, for example, tendril-like shape morphing, tentacle-like sequential manipulation, and bioinspired locomotion only controlled by single pressure source. Such flexible, efficient, scalable, and low-cost design and formation methodology will accelerate the development and iteration of soft robots and also open up more opportunities for safe human-robot interactions, tailored wearable devices, and health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wenbo Li
- School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fuyi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huyue Chen
- University of Michigan–Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Linchuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoyong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhiran Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lei Shao
- University of Michigan–Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Yang M, Sun F, Hu X, Sun F. Knitting from Nature: Self-Sensing Soft Robotics Enabled by All-in-One Knit Architectures. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:44294-44304. [PMID: 37695689 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-sensing soft robotics that mimic the proprioception and exteroception abilities of natural biological systems have shown great potential in challenging applications. However, current add-on strategies that simply combine sensors with actuators by post processing generally suffer from poor compatibility in mechanical properties, interfacing problems, complex manufacturing, and high cost. Herein, we present knitted soft robotics with build-in textile-integrated multimodal sensors, where the knit structure is used not only as a physical actuating layer but also as a sensing functional component. Based on different knit-stitch arrangements, an all-in-one knitted electronic skin with functions of neurons, sensing, and actuation in a single knit-structured fabric layer is constructed. The knitted electronic skin is then integrated into knitted soft robotics, enabling a proprioceptive sense of actuation deformation and an exteroceptive perception of ambient stimuli with minimized interferences for actuation. In addition, the tuck stitches serve as an anisotropic strain-limiting layer to increase the actuating energy efficiency, which resolves the key conflict of softness and volumetric power density in soft actuators. This design strategy provides a convenient, low-cost, and customized method to bring about structural and functional integrability into soft actuators, greatly extending the adaptability of current soft robotics for real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fei Sun
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaorui Hu
- College of Design, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fengxin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Laboratory of Soft Fibrous Materials, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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Sun J, Liao W, Yang Z. Additive Manufacturing of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Based on Knitting Technology. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302706. [PMID: 37278691 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) exhibits large and reversible deformability originating from the alignment of liquid crystal mesogens. Additive manufacturing provides high controllability in the alignment and shaping process of LCE actuators. However, it still remains a challenge to customize LCE actuators with both diverse 3D deformability and recyclability. In this study, a new strategy is developed to exploit knitting technique to additively manufacture LCE actuators. The obtained LCE actuators are fabric-structured with designed geometry and deformability. By accurately adjusting the parameters of the knitting patterns as modules, diverse geometry is pixel-wise designed, and complex 3D deformations including bending, twisting, and folding are quantitatively controlled. In addition, the fabric-structured LCE actuators can be threaded, stitched, and reknitted to achieve advanced geometry, integrated multi-functions and efficient recyclability. This approach allows the fabrication of versatile LCE actuators with potential applications in smart textiles and soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Sun
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liao
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhongqiang Yang
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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6
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Wu L, Tang X, Wu T, Zeng W, Zhu X, Hu B, Zhang S. A review on current progress of Raman-based techniques in food safety: From normal Raman spectroscopy to SESORS. Food Res Int 2023; 169:112944. [PMID: 37254368 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Frequently occurrence of food safety incidents has induced global concern over food safety. To ensure food quality and safety, an increasing number of rapid and sensitive analytical methods have been developed for analysis of all kinds of food composition and contaminants. As one of the high-profile analytical techniques, Raman spectroscopy has been widely applied in food analysis with simple, rapid, sensitive, and nondestructive detection performance. Research on Raman techniques is a direction of great interest to many fields, especially in food safety. Hence, it is crucial to gain insight into recent advances on the use of Raman-based techniques in food safety applications. In this review, we introduce Raman techniques from normal Raman spectroscopy to developed ones (e.g., surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), surface-enhanced spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SESORS)), in view of their history and development, principles, design, and applications. In addition, future challenges and trends of these techniques are discussed regarding to food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Wu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Vegetables Quality and Safety for State Market Regulation, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China; College of Bioengineering and Food, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, PR China.
| | - Xuemei Tang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Vegetables Quality and Safety for State Market Regulation, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Ting Wu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Vegetables Quality and Safety for State Market Regulation, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Wei Zeng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Vegetables Quality and Safety for State Market Regulation, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Xiangwei Zhu
- College of Bioengineering and Food, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, PR China
| | - Bing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, PR China
| | - Sihang Zhang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Tropical and Vegetables Quality and Safety for State Market Regulation, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
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Maldonado-Mejía JC, Múnera M, Diaz CAR, Wurdemann H, Moazen M, Pontes MJ, Vieira Segatto ME, Monteiro ME, Cifuentes CA. A fabric-based soft hand exoskeleton for assistance: the ExHand Exoskeleton. Front Neurorobot 2023; 17:1091827. [PMID: 37396029 PMCID: PMC10308009 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2023.1091827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The rise of soft robotics has driven the development of devices for assistance in activities of daily living (ADL). Likewise, different types of actuation have been developed for safer human interaction. Recently, textile-based pneumatic actuation has been introduced in hand exoskeletons for features such as biocompatibility, flexibility, and durability. These devices have demonstrated their potential use in assisting ADLs, such as the degrees of freedom assisted, the force exerted, or the inclusion of sensors. However, performing ADLs requires the use of different objects, so exoskeletons must provide the ability to grasp and maintain stable contact with a variety of objects to lead to the successful development of ADLs. Although textile-based exoskeletons have demonstrated significant advancements, the ability of these devices to maintain stable contact with a variety of objects commonly used in ADLs has yet to be fully evaluated. Materials and methods This paper presents the development and experimental validation in healthy users of a fabric-based soft hand exoskeleton through a grasping performance test using The Anthropomorphic Hand Assessment Protocol (AHAP), which assesses eight types of grasping with 24 objects of different shapes, sizes, textures, weights, and rigidities, and two standardized tests used in the rehabilitation processes of post- stroke patients. Results and discussion A total of 10 healthy users (45.50 ± 14.93 years old) participated in this study. The results indicate that the device can assist in developing ADLs by evaluating the eight types of grasps of the AHAP. A score of 95.76 ± 2.90% out of 100% was obtained for the Maintaining Score, indicating that the ExHand Exoskeleton can maintain stable contact with various daily living objects. In addition, the results of the user satisfaction questionnaire indicated a positive mean score of 4.27 ± 0.34 on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Maldonado-Mejía
- Telecommunications Laboratory (LabTel), Electrical Engineering Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marcela Múnera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito, Bogotá, Colombia
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Camilo A. R. Diaz
- Telecommunications Laboratory (LabTel), Electrical Engineering Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil
| | - Helge Wurdemann
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria José Pontes
- Telecommunications Laboratory (LabTel), Electrical Engineering Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Eduardo Vieira Segatto
- Telecommunications Laboratory (LabTel), Electrical Engineering Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos A. Cifuentes
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, Science and Technology, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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8
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Yang L, Wang Z, Wang H, Jin B, Meng C, Chen X, Li R, Wang H, Xin M, Zhao Z, Guo S, Wu J, Cheng H. Self-Healing, Reconfigurable, Thermal-Switching, Transformative Electronics for Health Monitoring. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207742. [PMID: 36719993 PMCID: PMC10391699 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soft, deformable electronic devices provide the means to monitor physiological information and health conditions for disease diagnostics. However, their practical utility is limited due to the lack of intrinsical thermal switching for mechanically transformative adaptability and self-healing capability against mechanical damages. Here, the design concepts, materials and physics, manufacturing approaches, and application opportunities of self-healing, reconfigurable, thermal-switching device platforms based on hyperbranched polymers and biphasic liquid metal are reported. The former provides excellent self-healing performance and unique tunable stiffness and adhesion regulated by temperature for the on-skin switch, whereas the latter results in liquid metal circuits with extreme stretchability (>900%) and high conductivity (3.40 × 104 S cm-1 ), as well as simple recycling capability. Triggered by the increased temperature from the skin surface, a multifunctional device platform can conveniently conform and strongly adhere to the hierarchically textured skin surface for non-invasive, continuous, comfortable health monitoring. Additionally, the self-healing and adhesive characteristics allow multiple multifunctional circuit components to assemble and completely wrap on 3D curvilinear surfaces. Together, the design, manufacturing, and proof-of-concept demonstration of the self-healing, transformative, and self-assembled electronics open up new opportunities for robust soft deformable devices, smart robotics, prosthetics, and Internet-of-Things, and human-machine interfaces on irregular surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Biqiang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Chuizhou Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Xue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics and Neuroengineering of Hebei Province, School of Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Runze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics and Neuroengineering of Hebei Province, School of Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - He Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Mingyang Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zeshang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Shijie Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Jinrong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
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Rusu DM, Mândru SD, Biriș CM, Petrașcu OL, Morariu F, Ianosi-Andreeva-Dimitrova A. Soft Robotics: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14020359. [PMID: 36838059 PMCID: PMC9961507 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, soft robotics has developed considerably, especially since the year 2018 when it became a hot field among current research topics. The attention that this field receives from researchers and the public is marked by the substantial increase in both the quantity and the quality of scientific publications. In this review, in order to create a relevant and comprehensive picture of this field both quantitatively and qualitatively, the paper approaches two directions. The first direction is centered on a bibliometric analysis focused on the period 2008-2022 with the exact expression that best characterizes this field, which is "Soft Robotics", and the data were taken from a series of multidisciplinary databases and a specialized journal. The second direction focuses on the analysis of bibliographic references that were rigorously selected following a clear methodology based on a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria. After the selection of bibliographic sources, 111 papers were part of the final analysis, which have been analyzed in detail considering three different perspectives: one related to the design principle (biologically inspired soft robotics), one related to functionality (closed/open-loop control), and one from a biomedical applications perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Mihai Rusu
- Mechatronics and Machine Dynamics Department, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Silviu-Dan Mândru
- Mechatronics and Machine Dynamics Department, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina-Maria Biriș
- Department of Industrial Machines and Equipment, Engineering Faculty, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Victoriei 10, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Olivia-Laura Petrașcu
- Department of Industrial Machines and Equipment, Engineering Faculty, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Victoriei 10, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Fineas Morariu
- Department of Industrial Machines and Equipment, Engineering Faculty, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Victoriei 10, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
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10
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Ge D, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Sustained Euler Buckling of an Optically Responsive Rod with Different Boundary Constraints. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020316. [PMID: 36679197 PMCID: PMC9862129 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-sustained oscillations can directly absorb energy from the constant environment to maintain its periodic motion by self-regulating. As a classical mechanical instability phenomenon, the Euler compression rod can rapidly release elastic strain energy and undergo large displacement during buckling. In addition, its boundary configuration is usually easy to be modulated. In this paper, we develop a self-sustained Euler buckling system based on optically responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) rod with different boundary constraints. The buckling of LCE rod results from the light-induced expansion and compressive force, and the self-buckling is maintained by the energy competition between the damping dissipation and the net work done by the effective elastic force. Based on the dynamic LCE model, the governing equations for dynamic Euler buckling of the LCE rod is formulated, and the approximate admissible trigonometric functions and Runge-Kutta method are used to solve the dynamic Euler buckling. Under different illumination parameters, there exists two motion modes of the Euler rod: the static mode and the self-buckling mode, including alternating and unilateral self-buckling modes. The triggering conditions, frequency, and amplitude of the self-sustained Euler buckling can be modulated by several system parameters and boundary constraints. Results indicate that strengthening the boundary constraint can increase the frequency and reduce the amplitude. It is anticipated that this system may open new avenues for energy harvesters, signal sensors, mechano-logistic devices, and autonomous robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Ge
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China
- Correspondence:
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11
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Abrishamkar A, Nilghaz A, Saadatmand M, Naeimirad M, deMello AJ. Microfluidic-assisted fiber production: Potentials, limitations, and prospects. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:061504. [PMID: 36406340 PMCID: PMC9674390 DOI: 10.1063/5.0129108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Besides the conventional fiber production methods, microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the engineered spinning of fibrous materials and offers excellent potential for fiber manufacturing in a controlled and straightforward manner. This method facilitates low-speed prototype synthesis of fibers for diverse applications while providing superior control over reaction conditions, efficient use of precursor solutions, reagent mixing, and process parameters. This article reviews recent advances in microfluidic technology for the fabrication of fibrous materials with different morphologies and a variety of properties aimed at various applications. First, the basic principles, as well as the latest developments and achievements of microfluidic-based techniques for fiber production, are introduced. Specifically, microfluidic platforms made of glass, polymers, and/or metals, including but not limited to microfluidic chips, capillary-based devices, and three-dimensional printed devices are summarized. Then, fiber production from various materials, such as alginate, gelatin, silk, collagen, and chitosan, using different microfluidic platforms with a broad range of cross-linking agents and mechanisms is described. Therefore, microfluidic spun fibers with diverse diameters ranging from submicrometer scales to hundreds of micrometers and structures, such as cylindrical, hollow, grooved, flat, core-shell, heterogeneous, helical, and peapod-like morphologies, with tunable sizes and mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the practical applications of microfluidic spun fibers are highlighted in sensors for biomedical or optical purposes, scaffolds for culture or encapsulation of cells in tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Finally, different limitations and challenges of the current microfluidic technologies, as well as the future perspectives and concluding remarks, are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azadeh Nilghaz
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Maryam Saadatmand
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 11155-9465 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Naeimirad
- Department of Materials and Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Razi University, 67144-14971 Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg1, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland
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Zhang Y, Zhang C, Wang R, Tan W, Gu Y, Yu X, Zhu L, Liu L. Development and challenges of smart actuators based on water-responsive materials. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:5725-5741. [PMID: 35904079 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00519k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Water-responsive (WR) materials, due to their controllable mechanical response to humidity without energy actuation, have attracted lots of attention to the development of smart actuators. WR material-based smart actuators can transform natural humidity to a required mechanical motion and have been widely used in various fields, such as soft robots, micro-generators, smart building materials, and textiles. In this paper, the development of smart actuators based on different WR materials has been reviewed systematically. First, the properties of different biological WR materials and the corresponding actuators are summarized, including plant materials, animal materials, and microorganism materials. Additionally, various synthetic WR materials and their related applications in smart actuators have also been introduced in detail, including hydrophilic polymers, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and other synthetic materials. Finally, the challenges of the WR actuator are analyzed from the three perspectives of actuator design, control methods, and compatibility, and the potential solutions are also discussed. This paper may be useful for the development of not only soft actuators that are based on WR materials, but also smart materials applied to renewable energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhang
- School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, Liaoning, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Ruiqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
| | - Xiaobin Yu
- School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, Liaoning, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, Liaoning, China.
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
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Nakagawa K, Sakai Y, Funabora Y, Doki S. Turning a Functional Cloth Into an Actuator by Combining Thread-Like Thin Artificial Muscles and Embroidery Techniques. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3157401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Brendgen R, Nolden R, Simon J, Junge T, Zöll K, Schwarz-Pfeiffer A. Textile Strain Sensor Enhancement by Coating Metal Yarns with Carbon-Filled Silicone. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14132525. [PMID: 35808570 PMCID: PMC9269479 DOI: 10.3390/polym14132525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Flexible and stretchable strain sensors are an important development for measuring various movements and forces and are increasingly used in a wide range of smart textiles. For example, strain sensors can be used to measure the movements of arms, legs or individual joints. Thereby, most strain sensors are capable of detecting large movements with a high sensitivity. Very few are able to measure small movements, i.e., strains of less than 5%, with a high sensitivity, which is necessary to carry out important health measurements, such as breathing, bending, heartbeat, and vibrations. This research deals with the development of strain sensors capable of detecting strain of 1% with a high sensitivity. For this purpose, a total of six commercially available metallic yarns were coated with a carbon-containing silicone coating. The process is based on a vertical dip-coating technology with a self-printed 3D coating bath. Afterwards, the finished yarns were interlooped and stretched by 1% while electrical resistance measurements were carried out. It was shown that, although the coating reduced the overall conductivity of the yarns, it also improved their sensitivity to stress. Conclusively, highly sensitive strain sensors, designed specially for small loads, were produced by a simple coating set-up and interlooping structure of the sensory yarns, which could easily be embedded in greater textile structures for wearable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rike Brendgen
- Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB), Niederrhein Universisty of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany; (R.N.); (J.S.); (T.J.); (K.Z.); (A.S.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-2161-1866099
| | - Ramona Nolden
- Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB), Niederrhein Universisty of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany; (R.N.); (J.S.); (T.J.); (K.Z.); (A.S.-P.)
| | - Jasmin Simon
- Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB), Niederrhein Universisty of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany; (R.N.); (J.S.); (T.J.); (K.Z.); (A.S.-P.)
| | - Theresa Junge
- Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB), Niederrhein Universisty of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany; (R.N.); (J.S.); (T.J.); (K.Z.); (A.S.-P.)
| | - Kerstin Zöll
- Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB), Niederrhein Universisty of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany; (R.N.); (J.S.); (T.J.); (K.Z.); (A.S.-P.)
- Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany
| | - Anne Schwarz-Pfeiffer
- Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB), Niederrhein Universisty of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany; (R.N.); (J.S.); (T.J.); (K.Z.); (A.S.-P.)
- Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Webschulstr. 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany
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Nilghaz A, Mahdi Mousavi S, Amiri A, Tian J, Cao R, Wang X. Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrates for Food Safety and Quality Analysis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:5463-5476. [PMID: 35471937 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been identified as a fundamental surface-sensitive technique that boosts Raman scattering by adsorbing target molecules on specific surfaces. The application of SERS highly relies on the development of smart SERS substrates, and thus the fabrication of SERS substrates has been constantly improved. Herein, we investigate the impacts of different substrates on SERS technology including plasmonic metal nanoparticles, semiconductors, and hybrid systems in quantitative food safety and quality analysis. We first discuss the fundamentals, substrate designs, and applications of SERS. We then provide a critical review of the recent progress of SERS in its usage for screening and detecting chemical and biological contaminants including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, hazardous colorants, and biohazards in food samples to assess the analytical capabilities of this technology. Finally, we investigate the future trends and provide practical techniques that could be used to fulfill the requirements for rapid analysis of food at a low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Nilghaz
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | | | - Amir Amiri
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Junfei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Rong Cao
- Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Xungai Wang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
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Abstract
New technological and scientific advances in the development of sensors and actuators demand the development of new devices to deal with recent problems and challenges in these new and emerging processes. Moreover, paper-based devices have tremendous potential for developing actuators as paper exhibits capillary transport and hygroexpansion due to swelling of the fibers when absorbing water. Therefore, this paper proposes a mini actuator that is based on a hygro-thermal-paper-based cantilever beam that is activated by means of a droplet of an aqueous solution in combination with a circulating electrical current to analyze its response. The contribution of this proposal includes the analysis of the flexural response of the mini actuator when it is tested by using two different solutions: distilled water and a water/alcohol solution. Additionally, four cases related to the droplet volume are studied and a statistical analysis of the bending responses is presented. The results achieved show that that water-alcohol solutions have a lower deviation in comparison with water only. Moreover, it is demonstrated that a specific change in the maximum displacement is obtained according to the volume and the type of solution. Thus, it is suggested that the response of the mini actuator can be tuned using different aqueous solutions.
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