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Hwang I, Mun S, Youn JH, Kim HJ, Park SK, Choi M, Kang TJ, Pei Q, Yun S. Height-renderable morphable tactile display enabled by programmable modulation of local stiffness in photothermally active polymer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2554. [PMID: 38519461 PMCID: PMC10959967 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46709-7] [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] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Reconfigurable tactile displays are being used to provide refreshable Braille information; however, the delivered information is currently limited to an alternative of Braille because of difficulties in controlling the deformation height. Herein, we present a photothermally activated polymer-bilayer-based morphable tactile display that can programmably generate tangible three-dimensional topologies with varying textures on a thin film surface. The morphable tactile display was composed of a heterogeneous polymer structure that integrated a stiffness-tunable polymer into a light-absorbing elastomer, near-infra-red light-emitting diode (NIR-LED) array, and small pneumatic chamber. Topological expression was enabled by producing localized out-of-plane deformation that was reversible, height-adjustable, and latchable in response to light-triggered stiffness modulation at each target area under switching of stationary pneumatic pressure. Notably, the tactile display could express a spatial softness map of the latched topology upon re-exposing the target areas to modulated light from the NIR-LED array. We expect the developed tactile display to open a pathway for generating high-dimensional tactile information on electronic devices and enable realistic interaction in augmented and virtual environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inwook Hwang
- Tangible Interface Creative Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seongcheol Mun
- Tangible Interface Creative Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Youn
- Tangible Interface Creative Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyeong Jun Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Seung Koo Park
- Human Enhancement & Assistive Technology Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Meejeong Choi
- Tangible Interface Creative Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Tae June Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Qibing Pei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sungryul Yun
- Tangible Interface Creative Research Section, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daejeon, South Korea.
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Tian Z, Xue J, Xiao X, Du C, Liu Y. Optomagnetic Coordination Helical Robot with Shape Transformation and Multimodal Motion Capabilities. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2885-2893. [PMID: 38407034 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Soft robots with magnetic responsiveness exhibit diverse motion modes and programmable shape transformations. While the fixed magnetization configuration facilitates coupling control of robot posture and motion, it limits individual posture control to some extent. This poses a challenge in independently controlling the robot's transformation and motion, restricting its versatile applications. This research introduces a multifunctional helical robot responsive to both light and magnetism, segregating posture control from movements. Light fields assist in robot shaping, achieving a 78% maximum diameter shift. Magnetic fields guide helical robots in multimodal motions, encompassing rotation, flipping, rolling, and spinning-induced propulsion. By controlling multimodal locomotion and shape transformation on demand, helical robots gain enhanced flexibility. This innovation allows them to tightly grip and wirelessly transport designated payloads, showcasing potential applications in drug delivery, soft grippers, and chemical reaction platforms. The unique combination of structural design and control methods holds promise for intelligent robots in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangzhuang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
| | - Jingze Xue
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
| | - Xinze Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
| | - Chuankai Du
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130025, P. R. China
- Weihai Institute for Bionics, Jilin University, Weihai, 264402, China
- Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, China
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Wu J, Jiang W, Gu M, Sun F, Han C, Gong H. Flexible Actuators with Hygroscopic Adaptability for Smart Wearables and Soft Grippers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:59989-60001. [PMID: 38085924 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Flexible actuators have garnered significant interest in the domains of biomedical devices, human-machine interfaces, and smart wearables. However, the mechanical properties of existing materials are not sufficiently robust, and the expensive and time-consuming pretreatment process and the ambiguous high-degree-of-freedom deformation mechanism make it difficult to meet the demands of industrialized production. Hence, drawing inspiration from the adaptable movement of living organisms in the natural world, this research created and engineered a fully textile-based humidity-sensitive flexible actuator (TbHs-FA) using high-cost-effective viscose/PET fibers as raw materials. The breakthrough development in actuation performance is covered, including substantial contraction force (92.53 cN), high actuation curvature (16.78 cm-1), and fast response (264 cN s-1 and 46.61 cm-1 s-1). Additionally, the programmable stiffness system and weave structure give TbHs-FAs low hysteresis and fatigue resistance, narrowing the gap between the conceptual laboratory-scale design of existing fully textile-based humidity-sensitive flexible actuators and actual textiles. The high-degree-of-freedom and large bending deformation mechanisms are elucidated for the first time by combining microscopic mechanical structure simulation and macroscopic energy conversion analysis. The novel humidity-sensitive flexible actuator possesses strong mechanical qualities, making it suitable for applications such as flexible robots, medicinal devices, and smart wearables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wenjie Jiang
- Textile Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mengshang Gu
- Textile Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fengxin Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Laboratory of Soft Fibrous Materials, College of Textiles Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chenchen Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hugh Gong
- University of Manchester, Manchester M139PL, U.K
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Chen G, Chen L, Li N, Li J, Huang M, Gong C, Peng Y. Salt-Assisted Fabrication of a Water-Based Covalent Organic Framework Ink and Its Hybrid Films for Photothermal Actuators. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37478481 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The exceptional properties of two-dimensional covalent organic framework materials (2D-COFs), including their large π-conjugated structure at the molecular level and π-π multilayer stacking, have attracted interest for soft photothermal actuator applications. However, the conventional synthesis of COFs as microcrystalline powders limits their processing in water due to their limited dispersibility. Herein, we present a simple and environmentally friendly method to fabricate water-suspended COF inks by adjusting the surface potential of COF powders through adsorption of ionic species such as Na+ and Cl-. This technique effectively prevents the accumulation and aggregation of COF powder, resulting in an aqueous COF ink that can be easily cast into homogeneous hybrid COF films by Mayer-rod coating. In addition, the resulting photothermal actuator exhibited a fast response time within 3 s at a curvature of 2.35 cm-1 in the near-infrared light. This facile and practical approach to fabricating water-based COFs ink represents a promising strategy for the development of practical applications of COFs in photothermal actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guinan Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering and College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Liangjun Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering and College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Nanjun Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering and College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering and College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Minchu Huang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering and College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Cobetter Filtration Equipment Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 311265, China
| | - Chengtao Gong
- College of Materials Science and Engineering and College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yongwu Peng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering and College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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