1
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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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2
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Wang Z, Yan F, Yu Z, Cao H, Ma Z, YeErKenTai Z, Li Z, Han Y, Zhu Z. Fully Transient 3D Origami Paper-Based Ammonia Gas Sensor Obtained by Facile MXene Spray Coating. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1447-1457. [PMID: 38412069 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Developing high-performance chemiresistive gas sensors with mechanical compliance for environmental or health-related biomarker monitoring has recently drawn increasing research attention. Among them, two-dimensional MXene materials hold great potential for room-temperature hazardous gas (e.g., NH3) monitoring regardless of the complicated fabrication process, insufficient 2D/3D flexibilities, and poor environmental sustainability. Herein, a Ti3C2Tx MXene/gelatin ink was developed for patterning electrodes through a facile spray coating. Particularly, the patterned Ti3C2Tx-based coating exhibited good adhesion on the paper substrate against repeated peeling-off and excellent mechanical flexibility against 1000 cyclic stretching. The porous morphology of the coating facilitated the NH3 sensing ability. As a result, the 2D kirigami-shaped NH3 sensor exhibited a good response of 7% to 50 ppm of NH3 with detectable concentrations ranging from 5-500 ppm, decent selectivity over interferences, etc., which could be well-maintained even at 50% stretched state. In addition, with the help of mechanically guided compressive buckling, 3D mesostructured MXene origamis could be obtained, holding promise for detecting the coming direction and height distribution of hazardous gas, e.g., the NH3. More importantly, the as-fabricated MXene/gelatin origami paper could be fully degraded in PBS/H2O2/cellulase solution within 19 days, demonstrating its potential as a high-performance, shape morphable, and environmentally friendly wearable gas sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifeng Wang
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Feng Yan
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Zhichao Yu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Huina Cao
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Zhanying Ma
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - ZuNa YeErKenTai
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Zhanhong Li
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yutong Han
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Zhigang Zhu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200093, China
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3
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Yang H, Ding S, Wang J, Sun S, Swaminathan R, Ng SWL, Pan X, Ho GW. Computational design of ultra-robust strain sensors for soft robot perception and autonomy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1636. [PMID: 38388467 PMCID: PMC10883982 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Compliant strain sensors are crucial for soft robots' perception and autonomy. However, their deformable bodies and dynamic actuation pose challenges in predictive sensor manufacturing and long-term robustness. This necessitates accurate sensor modelling and well-controlled sensor structural changes under strain. Here, we present a computational sensor design featuring a programmed crack array within micro-crumples strategy. By controlling the user-defined structure, the sensing performance becomes highly tunable and can be accurately modelled by physical models. Moreover, they maintain robust responsiveness under various demanding conditions including noise interruptions (50% strain), intermittent cyclic loadings (100,000 cycles), and dynamic frequencies (0-23 Hz), satisfying soft robots of diverse scaling from macro to micro. Finally, machine intelligence is applied to a sensor-integrated origami robot, enabling robotic trajectory prediction (<4% error) and topographical altitude awareness (<10% error). This strategy holds promise for advancing soft robotic capabilities in exploration, rescue operations, and swarming behaviors in complex environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Yang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) & Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Shuo Ding
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Shuo Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Ruphan Swaminathan
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Serene Wen Ling Ng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Xinglong Pan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Ghim Wei Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore.
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Zhang C, Zhang Z, Peng Y, Zhang Y, An S, Wang Y, Zhai Z, Xu Y, Jiang H. Plug & play origami modules with all-purpose deformation modes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4329. [PMID: 37468465 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39980-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Three basic deformation modes of an object (bending, twisting, and contraction/extension) along with their various combinations and delicate controls lead to diverse locomotion. As a result, seeking mechanisms to achieve simple to complex deformation modes in a controllable manner is a focal point in related engineering fields. Here, a pneumatic-driven, origami-based deformation unit that offers all-purpose deformation modes, namely, three decoupled basic motion types and four combinations of these three basic types, with seven distinct motion modes in total through one origami module, was created and precisely controlled through various pressurization schemes. These all-purpose origami-based modules can be readily assembled as needed, even during operation, which enables plug-and-play characteristics. These origami modules with all-purpose deformation modes offer unprecedented opportunities for soft robots in performing complex tasks, which were successfully demonstrated in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
| | - Zhuang Zhang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Yun Peng
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Yanlin Zhang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
| | - Siqi An
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Yunjie Wang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
| | - Zirui Zhai
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Soft Machines and Smart Devices of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China.
| | - Hanqing Jiang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China.
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China.
- Research Center for Industries of the Future and School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310030, China.
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Wang Z, Ma D, Wang Y, Xie Y, Yu Z, Cheng J, Li L, Sun L, Dong S, Wang H. Kirigami-Origami-Inspired Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2207059. [PMID: 37096841 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Kirigami- and oirigami-inspired techniques have emerged as effective strategies for material structure design; however, the use of these techniques is usually limited to soft and deformable materials. Piezoelectric ceramics, which are typical functional ceramics, are widely used in electronic and energy devices; however, the processing options for piezoelectric ceramics are limited by their brittleness and feedstock viscosity. Here, a design strategy is proposed for the preparation of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics inspired by kirigami/origami. This strategy involves direct writing printing and control over the external gravity during the calcination process for the preparation of curved and porous piezoelectric ceramics with specific shapes. The sintered BaTiO3 ceramics with curved geometries produced using this strategy exhibit a high piezoelectric constant (d33 = 275 pC N-1 ), which is 45% higher than that of conventionally sintered sheet ceramics. The curved structure of the ceramics is well-suited for use in the human body and it was determined that these curved ceramics can detect pulse signals. This strategy can be applied in the large-scale and low-cost production of other piezoelectric ceramics with various curved shapes and provides a new approach for the preparation of complex-shaped ceramics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehuan Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Denghao Ma
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yunhan Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zhonghui Yu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518051, P. R. China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Liang Sun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Shuxiang Dong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518051, P. R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Novel Electronic Information Materials and Devices & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Oxide Materials and Devices, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
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Su J, Zhang Y, Cheng L, Zhu L, Yang R, Niu F, Yang K, Duan Y. Oribron: An Origami-Inspired Deformable Rigid Bronchoscope for Radial Support. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:822. [PMID: 37421055 DOI: 10.3390/mi14040822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The structure of a traditional rigid bronchoscope includes proximal, distal, and body, representing an important means to treat hypoxic diseases. However, the body structure is too simple, resulting in the utilization rate of oxygen being usually low. In this work, we reported a deformable rigid bronchoscope (named Oribron) by adding a Waterbomb origami structure to the body. The Waterbomb's backbone is made of films, and the pneumatic actuators are placed inside it to achieve rapid deformation at low pressure. Experiments showed that Waterbomb has a unique deformation mechanism, which can transform from a small-diameter configuration (#1) to a large-diameter configuration (#2), showing excellent radial support capability. When Oribron entered or left the trachea, the Waterbomb remained in #1. When Oribron is working, the Waterbomb transforms from #1 to #2. Since #2 reduces the gap between the bronchoscope and the tracheal wall, it effectively slows down the rate of oxygen loss, thus promoting the absorption of oxygen by the patient. Therefore, we believe that this work will provide a new strategy for the integrated development of origami and medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Runhuai Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Fuzhou Niu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yuping Duan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230009, China
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7
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Yan W, Li S, Deguchi M, Zheng Z, Rus D, Mehta A. Origami-based integration of robots that sense, decide, and respond. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1553. [PMID: 37012246 PMCID: PMC10070436 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Origami-inspired engineering has enabled intelligent materials and structures to process and react to environmental stimuli. However, it is challenging to achieve complete sense-decide-act loops in origami materials for autonomous interaction with environments, mainly due to the lack of information processing units that can interface with sensing and actuation. Here, we introduce an integrated origami-based process to create autonomous robots by embedding sensing, computing, and actuating in compliant, conductive materials. By combining flexible bistable mechanisms and conductive thermal artificial muscles, we realize origami multiplexed switches and configure them to generate digital logic gates, memory bits, and thus integrated autonomous origami robots. We demonstrate with a flytrap-inspired robot that captures 'living prey', an untethered crawler that avoids obstacles, and a wheeled vehicle that locomotes with reprogrammable trajectories. Our method provides routes to achieve autonomy for origami robots through tight functional integration in compliant, conductive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhong Yan
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Shuguang Li
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mauricio Deguchi
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhaoliang Zheng
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Rus
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, USA
| | - Ankur Mehta
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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8
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Li Y, Zhang T. Modeling and Characterizing Two Dielectric Elastomer Folding Actuators for Origami-Inspired Robot. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3205772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Robotics and Microsystems Center, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Robotics and Microsystems Center, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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9
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Wang R, Han L, Wu C, Dong Y, Zhao X. Localizable, Identifiable, and Perceptive Untethered Light-Driven Soft Crawling Robot. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:6138-6147. [PMID: 35050581 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft robots based on bionics have attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, most of previous works focused on the motion of robots that were incapable of communication and perception. In this work, an untethered crawling robot is proposed with integration of motion, communication, and location based entirely on a flexible material, which is capable of being utilized as a sensing platform. The hydrophilic graphene oxide film, capable of photothermal conversion, allows the robot to undergo a large deformation stimulated by near-infrared light. Conductive fabric with low resistivity and high mechanical strength, replacing the traditional rigid circuit, is utilized to complete the communication of the robot. The designed communication module allows an electrical signal to be inductively coupled to the soft robot instead of being generated by batteries or through transmission lines. The perception of the robot is demonstrated by covering sensitive materials. Furthermore, the positioning and identification of the robot are verified by an external coil array. The proposed soft crawling robot provides an innovative strategy for the integration of multifunctional robots and shows great potential in bionic devices, intelligent robots, and advanced sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Lei Han
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chenggen Wu
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yupeng Dong
- Key Laboratory of MEMS of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhao
- Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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10
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Chen X, Zhang X, Huang Y, Cao L, Liu J. A review of soft manipulator research, applications, and opportunities. J FIELD ROBOT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/rob.22051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Chen
- National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology Academy of Military Sciences Beijing China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology Academy of Military Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yiyong Huang
- National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology Academy of Military Sciences Beijing China
| | - Lu Cao
- National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology Academy of Military Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jinguo Liu
- Shenyang Institute of Automation Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenyang China
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Untethered Origami Worm Robot with Diverse Multi-Leg Attachments and Responsive Motions under Magnetic Actuation. ROBOTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/robotics10040118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, origami folding in combination with actuation mechanisms can offer deployable structure design, yield compliance, and have several properties of soft material. An easy complex folding pattern can yield an array of functionalities in actuated hinges or active spring elements. This paper presents various cylinder origami robot designs that can be untethered magnetically actuated. The different designs are analyzed and compared to achieve the following three types of motion: Peristaltic, rolling, and turning in different environments, namely, board, sandpaper, and sand. The proposed origami robot is able translate 53 mm in peristaltic motion within 20 s and is able to roll one complete cycle in 1 s and can turn ≈180∘ in 1.5 s. The robot also demonstrated a peristaltic locomotion at a speed of ≈2.5 mm s−1, ≈1.9 mm s−1, and ≈1.3 mm s−1 in board, sandpaper, and sand respectively; rolling motion at a speed of 1 cycle s−1, ≈0.66 cycles s−1, and ≈0.33 cycles s−1 in board, sandpaper, and sand respectively; and turning motion of ≈180∘, ≈83∘, and ≈58∘ in board, sandpaper, and sand respectively. The evaluation of the robotic motion and actuation is discussed in detail in this paper.
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12
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Textiles in soft robots: Current progress and future trends. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 196:113690. [PMID: 34653713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Soft robotics have substantial benefits of safety, adaptability, and cost efficiency compared to conventional rigid robotics. Textiles have applications in soft robotics either as an auxiliary material to reinforce the conventional soft material or as an active soft material. Textiles of various types and configurations have been fabricated into key components of soft robotics in adaptable formats. Despite significant advancements, the efficiency and characteristics of textile actuators in practical applications remain unsatisfactory. To address these issues, novel structural and material designs as well as new textile technologies have been introduced. Herein, we aim at giving an insight into the current state of the art in textile technology for soft robotic manufacturing. We firstly discuss the fundamental actuation mechanisms for soft robotics. We then provide a critical review on the recently developed functional textiles as reinforcements, sensors, and actuators in soft robotics. Finally, the future trends and current strategies that can be employed in textile-based actuator manufacturing process have been explored to address the critical challenges in soft robotics.
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Jing L, Hsiao LY, Li S, Yang H, Ng PLP, Ding M, Truong TV, Gao SP, Li K, Guo YX, Valdivia Y Alvarado P, Chen PY. 2D-Material-integrated hydrogels as multifunctional protective skins for soft robots. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2021; 8:2065-2078. [PMID: 34846484 DOI: 10.1039/d0mh01594f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Soft robots provide compliant object-machine interactions, but they exhibit insufficient material stability, which restricts them from working in harsh environments. Herein, we developed a class of soft robotic skins based on two-dimensional materials (2DMs) and gelatin hydrogels, featuring skin-like multifunctionality (stretchability, thermoregulation, threat protection, and strain sensing). The 2DM-integrated hydrogel (2DM/H) skins enabled soft robots to execute designated missions in the presence of high levels of heat and various environmental threats while maintaining mild machine temperatures. Via adopting different 2DMs (graphene oxide (GO), montmorillonite (MMT), and titanium carbide (MXene)), the 2DM/H-protected robots were able to perform soft grasping in organic liquids (GO/H) and open fire (MMT/H), and in the presence of electromagnetic radiation and biocontamination (MXene/H). Through blending MXene nanosheets into gelatin, the MXene-blended hydrogel (M-H) skin became strain sensitive, and a GO/M-H gripper exhibited the high-level integration of skin-mimicking capabilities. Finally, we incorporated 2DM/H skins onto an origami-inspired walker robot and a soft batoid-like robot to execute vision-guided searching in fire and underwater locomotion/navigation in chemical spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jing
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117585, Singapore.
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15
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Sun Z, Zhu M, Zhang Z, Chen Z, Shi Q, Shan X, Yeow RCH, Lee C. Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) Enabled Virtual Shop Applications Using Self-Powered Sensor Enhanced Soft Robotic Manipulator. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100230. [PMID: 34037331 PMCID: PMC8292889 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Rapid advancements of artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) technology pave the way for developing a digital-twin-based remote interactive system for advanced robotic-enabled industrial automation and virtual shopping. The embedded multifunctional perception system is urged for better interaction and user experience. To realize such a system, a smart soft robotic manipulator is presented that consists of a triboelectric nanogenerator tactile (T-TENG) and length (L-TENG) sensor, as well as a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) pyroelectric temperature sensor. With the aid of machine learning (ML) for data processing, the fusion of the T-TENG and L-TENG sensors can realize the automatic recognition of the grasped objects with the accuracy of 97.143% for 28 different shapes of objects, while the temperature distribution can also be obtained through the pyroelectric sensor. By leveraging the IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics, a digital-twin-based virtual shop is successfully implemented to provide the users with real-time feedback about the details of the product. In general, by offering a more immersive experience in human-machine interactions, the proposed remote interactive system shows the great potential of being the advanced human-machine interface for the applications of the unmanned working space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongda Sun
- Department of Electrical & Computer EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Institute of Manufacturing Technology and National University of Singapore (SIMTech‐NUS) Joint Lab on Large‐Area Flexible Hybrid ElectronicsNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMS (CISM)National University of Singapore5 Engineering Drive 1Singapore117608Singapore
- National University of Singapore Suzhou Research Institute (NUSRI)Suzhou Industrial ParkSuzhou215123China
| | - Minglu Zhu
- Department of Electrical & Computer EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Institute of Manufacturing Technology and National University of Singapore (SIMTech‐NUS) Joint Lab on Large‐Area Flexible Hybrid ElectronicsNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMS (CISM)National University of Singapore5 Engineering Drive 1Singapore117608Singapore
- National University of Singapore Suzhou Research Institute (NUSRI)Suzhou Industrial ParkSuzhou215123China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Department of Electrical & Computer EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMS (CISM)National University of Singapore5 Engineering Drive 1Singapore117608Singapore
- National University of Singapore Suzhou Research Institute (NUSRI)Suzhou Industrial ParkSuzhou215123China
| | - Zhaocong Chen
- Department of Electrical & Computer EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMS (CISM)National University of Singapore5 Engineering Drive 1Singapore117608Singapore
- National University of Singapore Suzhou Research Institute (NUSRI)Suzhou Industrial ParkSuzhou215123China
| | - Qiongfeng Shi
- Department of Electrical & Computer EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Institute of Manufacturing Technology and National University of Singapore (SIMTech‐NUS) Joint Lab on Large‐Area Flexible Hybrid ElectronicsNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMS (CISM)National University of Singapore5 Engineering Drive 1Singapore117608Singapore
- National University of Singapore Suzhou Research Institute (NUSRI)Suzhou Industrial ParkSuzhou215123China
| | - Xuechuan Shan
- Institute of Manufacturing Technology and National University of Singapore (SIMTech‐NUS) Joint Lab on Large‐Area Flexible Hybrid ElectronicsNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Printed Intelligent Device GroupSingapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech)Agency for ScienceTechnology and Research (A*STAR)Singapore637662Singapore
| | - Raye Chen Hua Yeow
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringNational University of Singapore#04‐08, Engineering Block 4, 4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117583Singapore
| | - Chengkuo Lee
- Department of Electrical & Computer EngineeringNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Institute of Manufacturing Technology and National University of Singapore (SIMTech‐NUS) Joint Lab on Large‐Area Flexible Hybrid ElectronicsNational University of Singapore4 Engineering Drive 3Singapore117576Singapore
- Center for Intelligent Sensors and MEMS (CISM)National University of Singapore5 Engineering Drive 1Singapore117608Singapore
- National University of Singapore Suzhou Research Institute (NUSRI)Suzhou Industrial ParkSuzhou215123China
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16
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Zhang M, Shahsavan H, Guo Y, Pena-Francesch A, Zhang Y, Sitti M. Liquid-Crystal-Elastomer-Actuated Reconfigurable Microscale Kirigami Metastructures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2008605. [PMID: 33987863 PMCID: PMC7612660 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Programmable actuation of metastructures with predesigned geometrical configurations has recently drawn significant attention in many applications, such as smart structures, medical devices, soft robotics, prosthetics, and wearable devices. Despite remarkable progress in this field, achieving wireless miniaturized reconfigurable metastructures remains a challenge due to the difficult nature of the fabrication and actuation processes at the micrometer scale. Herein, microscale thermo-responsive reconfigurable metasurfaces using stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) is fabricated as an artificial muscle for reconfiguring the 2D microscale kirigami structures. Such structures are fabricated via two-photon polymerization with sub-micrometer precision. Through rationally designed experiments guided by simulations, the optimal formulation of the LCE artificial muscle is explored and the relationship between shape transformation behaviors and geometrical parameters of the kirigami structures is build. As a proof of concept demonstration, the constructs for temperature-dependent switching and information encryption is applied. Such reconfigurable kirigami metastructures have significant potential for boosting the fundamental small-scale metastructure research and the design and fabrication of wireless functional devices, wearables, and soft robots at the microscale as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hamed Shahsavan
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Yubing Guo
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Abdon Pena-Francesch
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
- School of Medicine and School of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, 34450, Turkey
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17
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Xiong J, Chen J, Lee PS. Functional Fibers and Fabrics for Soft Robotics, Wearables, and Human-Robot Interface. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2002640. [PMID: 33025662 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Soft robotics inspired by the movement of living organisms, with excellent adaptability and accuracy for accomplishing tasks, are highly desirable for efficient operations and safe interactions with human. With the emerging wearable electronics, higher tactility and skin affinity are pursued for safe and user-friendly human-robot interactions. Fabrics interlocked by fibers perform traditional static functions such as warming, protection, and fashion. Recently, dynamic fibers and fabrics are favorable to deliver active stimulus responses such as sensing and actuating abilities for soft-robots and wearables. First, the responsive mechanisms of fiber/fabric actuators and their performances under various external stimuli are reviewed. Fiber/yarn-based artificial muscles for soft-robots manipulation and assistance in human motion are discussed, as well as smart clothes for improving human perception. Second, the geometric designs, fabrications, mechanisms, and functions of fibers/fabrics for sensing and energy harvesting from the human body and environments are summarized. Effective integration between the electronic components with garments, human skin, and living organisms is illustrated, presenting multifunctional platforms with self-powered potential for human-robot interactions and biomedicine. Lastly, the relationships between robotic/wearable fibers/fabrics and the external stimuli, together with the challenges and possible routes for revolutionizing the robotic fibers/fabrics and wearables in this new era are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Xiong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jian Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Pooi See Lee
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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18
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Li C, Lau GC, Yuan H, Aggarwal A, Dominguez VL, Liu S, Sai H, Palmer LC, Sather NA, Pearson TJ, Freedman DE, Amiri PK, de la Cruz MO, Stupp SI. Fast and programmable locomotion of hydrogel-metal hybrids under light and magnetic fields. Sci Robot 2020; 5:5/49/eabb9822. [DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abb9822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Li
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Garrett C. Lau
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Hang Yuan
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Graduate Program in Applied Physics, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Aaveg Aggarwal
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Victor Lopez Dominguez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Shuangping Liu
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Hiroaki Sai
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Liam C. Palmer
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Sather
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Tyler J. Pearson
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Danna E. Freedman
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Pedram Khalili Amiri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Monica Olvera de la Cruz
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Samuel I. Stupp
- Center for Bio-inspired Energy Science, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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19
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Yang H, Xiao X, Li Z, Li K, Cheng N, Li S, Low JH, Jing L, Fu X, Achavananthadith S, Low F, Wang Q, Yeh PL, Ren H, Ho JS, Yeow CH, Chen PY. Wireless Ti 3C 2T x MXene Strain Sensor with Ultrahigh Sensitivity and Designated Working Windows for Soft Exoskeletons. ACS NANO 2020; 14:11860-11875. [PMID: 32790337 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c04730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Emerging soft exoskeletons pose urgent needs for high-performance strain sensors with tunable linear working windows to achieve a high-precision control loop. Still, the state-of-the-art strain sensors require further advances to simultaneously satisfy multiple sensing parameters, including high sensitivity, reliable linearity, and tunable strain ranges. Besides, a wireless sensing system is highly desired to enable facile monitoring of soft exoskeleton in real time, but is rarely investigated. Herein, wireless Ti3C2Tx MXene strain sensing systems were fabricated by developing hierarchical morphologies on piezoresistive layers and incorporating regulatory resistors into circuit designs as well as integrating the sensing circuit with near-field communication (NFC) technology. The wireless MXene sensor system can simultaneously achieve an ultrahigh sensitivity (gauge factor ≥ 14,000) and reliable linearity (R2 ≈ 0.99) within multiple user-designated high-strain working windows (130% to ≥900%). Additionally, the wireless sensing system can collectively monitor the multisegment exoskeleton actuations through a single database channel, largely reducing the data processing loading. We finally integrate the wireless, battery-free MXene e-skin with various soft exoskeletons to monitor the complex actuations that assist hand/leg rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
| | - Kerui Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
| | - Nicholas Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
- Advanced Robotics Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117608
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
| | - Jin Huat Low
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
- Advanced Robotics Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117608
| | - Lin Jing
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
| | - Xuemei Fu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
| | - Sippanat Achavananthadith
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
| | - Fanzhe Low
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
- Advanced Robotics Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117608
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
| | | | - Hongliang Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
| | - John S Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
| | - Chen-Hua Yeow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
- Advanced Robotics Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117608
| | - Po-Yen Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742 USA
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20
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Hu F, Wang W, Cheng J, Bao Y. Origami spring-inspired metamaterials and robots: An attempt at fully programmable robotics. Sci Prog 2020; 103:36850420946162. [PMID: 32840456 PMCID: PMC10358708 DOI: 10.1177/0036850420946162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in three-dimensional printing technologies provide one way not only to speed up freeform fabrication but also to exert programmable control over mechanical properties. Besides, origami-inspired structures, origami-inspired metamaterials, and even origami-inspired robotics primarily demonstrate the promising potential for innovative inspirations of engineering solutions. The motivation of this work is to explore a fully programmable robotic perspective with a fusion of programmable metamaterials, programmable mechanics, and programmable fabrication. First, we proposed an illustrative roadmap for transforming an origami model into a fully programmable robotic system. Then, we introduced an origami spring model and revealed its shape-shifting geometry and intrinsic metamaterial mechanisms, especially the rarely switchable behavior from transverse compression to longitudinal stretchability, and the curvilinear deployment. Furthermore, we addressed the fabrication challenges of three-dimensional printable origami sheets considering three-dimensional printability, foldability with high elasticity, and good damage tolerance. Finally, we developed a fully soft manipulator in terms of the highly reversible compressibility of origami spring metamaterials. And we also devised a peristaltic crawling robot with undulatory movements induced by inclination deployment effect of origami spring metamaterials. Conceivably, the proposed fully programmable robotic system was demonstrated starting from programmable metamaterials, programmable mechanics, and programmable fabrication to programmable robotic behaviors. The contribution of this work also suggested that robotic morphing could be tunable by hierarchical programming from modeling and fabrication to actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuwen Hu
- School of Mechanical and Material Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Mechanical and Material Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jingli Cheng
- School of Mechanical and Material Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunchang Bao
- School of Mechanical and Material Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing, China
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21
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Wang XQ, Chan KH, Cheng Y, Ding T, Li T, Achavananthadith S, Ahmet S, Ho JS, Ho GW. Somatosensory, Light-Driven, Thin-Film Robots Capable of Integrated Perception and Motility. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2000351. [PMID: 32285545 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202000351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms are capable of sensing and responding to their environment through reflex-driven pathways. The grand challenge for mimicking such natural intelligence in miniature robots lies in achieving highly integrated body functionality, actuation, and sensing mechanisms. Here, somatosensory light-driven robots (SLiRs) based on a smart thin-film composite tightly integrating actuation and multisensing are presented. The SLiR subsumes pyro/piezoelectric responses and piezoresistive strain sensation under a photoactuator transducer, enabling simultaneous yet non-interfering perception of its body temperature and actuation deformation states. The compact thin film, when combined with kirigami, facilitates rapid customization of low-profile structures for morphable, mobile, and multiple robotic functionality. For example, an SLiR walker can move forward on different surfaces, while providing feedback on its detailed locomotive gaits and subtle terrain textures, and an SLiR anthropomorphic hand shows bodily senses arising from concerted mechanoreception, thermoreception, proprioception, and photoreception. Untethered operation with an SLiR centipede is also demonstrated, which can execute distinct, localized body functions from directional motility, multisensing, to wireless human and environment interactions. This SLiR, which is capable of integrated perception and motility, offers new opportunities for developing diverse intelligent behaviors in soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qiao Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Kwok Hoe Chan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Yin Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Tianpeng Ding
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Tongtao Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Sippanat Achavananthadith
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Selman Ahmet
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - John S Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Ghim Wei Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), 3 Research Link, Singapore, 117602, Singapore
- Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
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