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Wu J, Ai W, Long Y, Song K. MXene-Based Soft Humidity-Driven Actuator with High Sensitivity and Fast Response. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:27650-27656. [PMID: 38747462 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Soft actuators possessing notable mechanical deformations, high sensitivity, and fast response speed play a crucial role in various applications, such as artificial muscles, soft robots, and intelligent devices. In this study, a smart humidity-driven actuator was successfully fabricated by utilizing MXene/cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/LiCl (MCL) through vacuum-assisted filtration with fast response speed and high sensitivity. Utilizing the excellent humidity responsiveness of MXene/CNF and the robust hygroscopicity of LiCl, the synergistic effect of these materials enhances the hygroscopic properties and response speed of the actuator. The MCL actuator demonstrates excellent actuation performance, fast deformation, and reliable cyclic stability. To illustrate the extensive potential of the soft actuator, a range of applications, from bionic devices to soft grippers and crawling actuators, are showcased. Remarkably, the crawling actuator demonstrates sustained crawling motion without necessitating a humidity switch, relying on the humidity gradient from water droplets, and exhibits spontaneous directional motions within a certain range, which makes it a promising prospect in the field of soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wenfei Ai
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yue Long
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Binzhou Institute of Technology, Weiqiao-UCAS Science and Technology Park, Binzhou City 256606, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Kai Song
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Binzhou Institute of Technology, Weiqiao-UCAS Science and Technology Park, Binzhou City 256606, Shandong Province, P. R. China
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2
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Ulrich K, Genter L, Schäfer S, Masselter T, Speck T. Investigation of the resilience of cyclically actuated pine cone scales of Pinus jeffreyi. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2024; 19:046009. [PMID: 38701824 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad475b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The resilience of pine cone scales has been investigated in the context of current architectural efforts to develop bioinspired passive façade shading systems that can help regulate the indoor climate. As previously shown for other species, separated tissues ofPinus jeffreyipine cone scales show independent hygroscopic bending. The blocking force that pine cone scales can generate during a closing movement is shown to be affected by the length, width and mass of the scales. After cyclically actuating pine cone scales by submerging and drying them for 102 cycles and comparing their functional characteristics measured in the undamaged and damaged state, they were still able to achieve 97% of their undamaged blocking force and torque and over 94% of their undamaged opening angle. Despite evidence of cracking within the sclereid cell layer and extensive delamination of sclerenchyma fibres, no loss of function was observed in any tested pine cone scale. This functional resilience and robustness may allowP. jeffreyitrees to continue seed dispersal for longer periods of time and to reliably protect seeds that have not yet been released. These results have contributed to a better understanding of the pine cone scale and may provide inspiration for further improving the long-term performance of passive, hygro-sensitive façade shading systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Ulrich
- University of Freiburg Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lukas Genter
- University of Freiburg Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Simon Schäfer
- University of Freiburg Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Tom Masselter
- University of Freiburg Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Speck
- University of Freiburg Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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3
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Ahn SJ, Lee H, Cho KJ. 3D printing with a 3D printed digital material filament for programming functional gradients. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3605. [PMID: 38714684 PMCID: PMC11076495 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47480-5] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing attracts growing attention as a promising method for creating functionally graded materials. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is widely available, but due to its simple process, creating spatial gradation of diverse properties using FDM is challenging. Here, we present a 3D printed digital material filament that is structured towards 3D printing of functional gradients, utilizing only a readily available FDM printer and filaments. The DM filament consists of multiple base materials combined with specific concentrations and distributions, which are FDM printed. When the DM filament is supplied to the same printer, its constituent materials are homogeneously blended during extrusion, resulting in the desired properties in the final structure. This enables spatial programming of material properties in extreme variations, including mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and color, which are otherwise impossible to achieve with traditional FDMs. Our approach can be readily adopted to any standard FDM printer, enabling low-cost production of functional gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Joon Ahn
- Soft Robotics Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Howon Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyu-Jin Cho
- Soft Robotics Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Yang Z, Wang Y, Lan L, Wang Y, Zhang X. Bioinspired H-Bonding Connected Gradient Nanostructure Actuators Based on Cellulose Nanofibrils and Graphene. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401580. [PMID: 38708893 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The construction of flexible actuators with ultra-fast actuation and robust mechanical properties is crucial for soft robotics and smart devices, but still remains a challenge. Inspired by the unique mechanism of pinecones dispersing seeds in nature, a hygroscopic actuator with interlayer network-bonding connected gradient structure is fabricated. Unlike most conventional bilayer actuator designs, the strategy leverages biobased polyphenols to construct strong interfacial H-bonding networks between 1D cellulose nanofibers and 2D graphene oxide, endowing the materials with high tensile strength (172 MPa) and excellent toughness (6.64 MJ m-3). Furthermore, the significant difference in hydrophilicity between GO and rGO, along with the dense interlayer H-bonding, enables ultra-fast water exchange during water absorption and desorption processes. The resulted actuator exhibits ultra-fast driving speed (154° s-1), excellent pressure-resistant and cyclic stability. Taking advantages of these benefits, the actuator can be fabricated into smart devices (such as smart grippers, humidity control switches) with significant potential for practical applications. The presented approach to constructing interlayer H-bonding in gradient structures is instructive for achieving high performance and functionalization of biomass nanomaterials and the complex of 1D/2D nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangqin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Lidan Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xinxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
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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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Guo K, Liu M, Vella D, Suresh S, Hsia KJ. Dehydration-induced corrugated folding in Rhapis excelsa plant leaves. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320259121. [PMID: 38588439 PMCID: PMC11047117 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320259121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant leaves, whose remarkable ability for morphogenesis results in a wide range of petal and leaf shapes in response to environmental cues, have inspired scientific studies as well as the development of engineering structures and devices. Although some typical shape changes in plants and the driving force for such shape evolution have been extensively studied, there remain many poorly understood mechanisms, characteristics, and principles associated with the vast array of shape formation of plant leaves in nature. Here, we present a comprehensive study that combines experiment, theory, and numerical simulations of one such topic-the mechanics and mechanisms of corrugated leaf folding induced by differential shrinking in Rhapis excelsa. Through systematic measurements of the dehydration process in sectioned leaves, we identify a linear correlation between change in the leaf-folding angle and water loss. Building on experimental findings, we develop a generalized model that provides a scaling relationship for water loss in sectioned leaves. Furthermore, our study reveals that corrugated folding induced by dehydration in R. excelsa leaves is achieved by the deformation of a structural architecture-the "hinge" cells. Utilizing such connections among structure, morphology, environmental stimuli, and mechanics, we fabricate several biomimetic machines, including a humidity sensor and morphing devices capable of folding in response to dehydration. The mechanisms of corrugated folding in R. excelsa identified in this work provide a general understanding of the interactions between plant leaves and water. The actuation mechanisms identified in this study also provide insights into the rational design of soft machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Guo
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
| | - Mingchao Liu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, BirminghamB15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Vella
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, OxfordOX2 6GG, United Kingdom
| | - Subra Suresh
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
- Division of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI02912
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - K. Jimmy Hsia
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore639798, Singapore
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He X, Cui Z, Zhang F, Li Y, Tu J, Cao J, Wang J, Qiao Y, Xi P, Xu T, Chen X, Zhang X. Multiscale Heterogeneities-Based Piezoresistive Interfaces with Ultralow Detection Limitation and Adaptively Switchable Pressure Detectability. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8296-8306. [PMID: 38452476 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical compliance and electrical enhancement are crucial for pressure sensors to promote performances when perceiving external stimuli. Here we propose a bioinspired multiscale heterogeneity-based interface to adaptively regulate its structure layout and switch to desirable piezoresistive behaviors with ultralow detection limitation. In such a multiscale heterogeneities system, the micro-/nanoscale spiny Ag-MnO2 heterostructure contributes to an ultralow detection limitation of 0.008 Pa and can perceive minor pressure increments under preloads with high resolution (0.0083%). The macroscale heterogeneous orientation of the cellular backbone enables anisotropic deformation, allowing the sensor to switch to rational sensitivity and working range (e.g., 580 kPa-1 for 0-20 kPa/54 kPa-1 for 60-140 kPa) as required. The sensor's stepwise activation progresses from the micro-/nanoscale heterostructure to the macroscale heterogeneous orientation, which can adaptively match diverse sensing tasks in complex applications scenarios. This multiscale heterogeneous and switchable design holds immense potential in the development of intelligent electromechanical devices, including wearable sensors, soft robotics, and smart actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecheng He
- The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
- Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Zequn Cui
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Feilong Zhang
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yanzhen Li
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jiaqi Tu
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jinwei Cao
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jianwu Wang
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yuchun Qiao
- Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Pengxu Xi
- Research Center for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Tailin Xu
- The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xueji Zhang
- The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, P. R. China
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8
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Janbaz S, Coulais C. Diffusive kinks turn kirigami into machines. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1255. [PMID: 38341411 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinks define boundaries between distinct configurations of a material. In the context of mechanical metamaterials, kinks have recently been shown to underpin logic, shape-changing and locomotion functionalities. So far such kinks propagate by virtue of inertia or of an external load. Here, we discover the emergence of propagating kinks in purely dissipative kirigami. To this end, we create kirigami that shape-change into different textures depending on how fast they are stretched. We find that if we stretch fast and wait, the viscoelastic kirigami can eventually snap from one texture to another. Crucially, such a snapping instability occurs in a sequence and a propagating diffusive kink emerges. As such, it mimics the slow sequential folding observed in biological systems, e.g., Mimosa Pudica. We finally demonstrate that diffusive kinks can be harnessed for basic machine-like functionalities, such as sensing, dynamic shape morphing, transport and manipulation of objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Janbaz
- Institute of Physics, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corentin Coulais
- Institute of Physics, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Xue E, Liu L, Wu W, Wang B. Soft Fiber/Textile Actuators: From Design Strategies to Diverse Applications. ACS NANO 2024; 18:89-118. [PMID: 38146868 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Fiber/textile-based actuators have garnered considerable attention due to their distinctive attributes, encompassing higher degrees of freedom, intriguing deformations, and enhanced adaptability to complex structures. Recent studies highlight the development of advanced fibers and textiles, expanding the application scope of fiber/textile-based actuators across diverse emerging fields. Unlike sheet-like soft actuators, fibers/textiles with intricate structures exhibit versatile movements, such as contraction, coiling, bending, and folding, achieved through adjustable strain and stroke. In this review article, we provide a timely and comprehensive overview of fiber/textile actuators, including structures, fabrication methods, actuation principles, and applications. After discussing the hierarchical structure and deformation of the fiber/textile actuator, we discuss various spinning strategies, detailing the merits and drawbacks of each. Next, we present the actuation principles of fiber/fabric actuators, along with common external stimuli. In addition, we provide a summary of the emerging applications of fiber/textile actuators. Concluding with an assessment of existing challenges and future opportunities, this review aims to provide a valuable perspective on the enticing realm of fiber/textile-based actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enbo Xue
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P. R. China
| | - Limei Liu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Laboratory of Printable Functional Materials and Printed Electronics, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Binghao Wang
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, P. R. China
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Laschi C, Mazzolai B. Move imperceptibly. NATURE MATERIALS 2022; 21:1350-1351. [PMID: 36357690 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01411-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Laschi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Bioinspired Soft Robotics Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
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