1
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Cao Y, Huang Y, Zheng J, Chen J, Zeng B, Cheng X, Wu C, Wang J, Tang J. Bipolar Photoelectrochemistry for Phase-Modulated Optoelectronic Hybrid Nanomotor. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17931-17939. [PMID: 38877992 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Complex micro/nanorobots may be constructed by integrating several independent, controlled nanomotors for high degrees of freedom of maneuvering and manipulation. However, designing nanomotors with distinctive responses to the same global stimuli is challenging due to the nanomotors' simple structure and limited material composition. In this work, we demonstrate that a nanomotor can be designed with the same principles of electronic circuits, where the motion of semiconductor particles can be controlled with synchronized electric and optical signals. This technique relies on transient bipolar photoelectrochemistry in semiconductor microparticles, where the reaction site selectivity is realized by modulating the light pulse in the time domain. Due to the microparticles' intrinsic resistance and surface capacitance, the nanomotors can be designed as an electronic circuit, enabling distinctive responses to the global electric/optical field and achieving the desired movement or deflection/rotation. This work gives new insight into the manipulation technique for independent and untethered nanomotor control. Ultimately, it exploits the potential for particle sorting based on geometry in time and frequency domain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Cao
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yaxin Huang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jingyuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Binglin Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Changjin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jizhuang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jinyao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKU-CAS Joint Laboratory on New Materials and Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong 999077, China
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2
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Kropacek J, Maslen C, Gidoni P, Cigler P, Stepanek F, Rehor I. Light-Responsive Hydrogel Microcrawlers, Powered and Steered with Spatially Homogeneous Illumination. Soft Robot 2024; 11:531-538. [PMID: 38447126 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2023.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Sub-millimeter untethered locomoting robots hold promise to radically change multiple areas of human activity such as microfabrication/assembly or health care. To overcome the associated hurdles of such a degree of robot miniaturization, radically new approaches are being adopted, often relying on soft actuating polymeric materials. Here, we present light-driven, crawling microrobots that locomote by a single degree of freedom actuation of their light-responsive tail section. The direction of locomotion is dictated by the robot body design and independent of the spatial modulation of the light stimuli, allowing simultaneous multidirectional motion of multiple robots. Moreover, we present a method for steering such robots by reversibly deforming their front section, using ultraviolet (UV) light as a trigger. The deformation dictates the robot locomotion, performing right- or left-hand turning when the UV is turned on or off respectively. The robots' motion and navigation are not coupled to the position of the light sources, which enables simultaneous locomotion of multiple robots, steering of robots and brings about flexibility with the methods to deliver the light to the place of robot operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindrich Kropacek
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Charlie Maslen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paolo Gidoni
- Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Decision-Making Theory, Institute of Information Theory and Automation of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Cigler
- Synthetic Nanochemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Stepanek
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Rehor
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Synthetic Nanochemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Hong X, Xu B, Li G, Nan F, Wang X, Liang Q, Dong W, Dong W, Sun H, Zhang Y, Li C, Fu R, Wang Z, Shen G, Wang Y, Yao Y, Zhang S, Li J. Optoelectronically navigated nano-kirigami microrotors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn7582. [PMID: 38657056 PMCID: PMC11042735 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn7582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
With the rapid development of micro/nanofabrication technologies, the concept of transformable kirigami has been applied for device fabrication in the microscopic world. However, most nano-kirigami structures and devices were typically fabricated or transformed at fixed positions and restricted to limited mechanical motion along a single axis due to their small sizes, which significantly limits their functionalities and applications. Here, we demonstrate the precise shaping and position control of nano-kirigami microrotors. Metallic microrotors with size of ~10 micrometers were deliberately released from the substrates and readily manipulated through the multimode actuation with controllable speed and direction using an advanced optoelectronic tweezers technique. The underlying mechanisms of versatile interactions between the microrotors and electric field are uncovered by theoretical modeling and systematic analysis. This work reports a novel methodology to fabricate and manipulate micro/nanorotors with well-designed and sophisticated kirigami morphologies, providing new solutions for future advanced optoelectronic micro/nanomachinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Hong
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bingrui Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Gong Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Fan Nan
- Institute of Nanophotonics, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Qinghua Liang
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Wenbo Dong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Weikang Dong
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Haozhe Sun
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yongyue Zhang
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chongrui Li
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Rongxin Fu
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhuoran Wang
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Engineering Research Center of Integrated Acousto-opto-electronic Microsystems (Ministry of Education of China), Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guozhen Shen
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Engineering Research Center of Integrated Acousto-opto-electronic Microsystems (Ministry of Education of China), Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yeliang Wang
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Engineering Research Center of Integrated Acousto-opto-electronic Microsystems (Ministry of Education of China), Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yugui Yao
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shuailong Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Engineering Research Center of Integrated Acousto-opto-electronic Microsystems (Ministry of Education of China), Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiafang Li
- Key Lab of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurement (Ministry of Education), Beijing Key Lab of Nanophotonics & Ultrafine Optoelectronic Systems, and School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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4
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Dong H, Lin J, Tao Y, Jia Y, Sun L, Li WJ, Sun H. AI-enhanced biomedical micro/nanorobots in microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1419-1440. [PMID: 38174821 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00909b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Human beings encompass sophisticated microcirculation and microenvironments, incorporating a broad spectrum of microfluidic systems that adopt fundamental roles in orchestrating physiological mechanisms. In vitro recapitulation of human microenvironments based on lab-on-a-chip technology represents a critical paradigm to better understand the intricate mechanisms. Moreover, the advent of micro/nanorobotics provides brand new perspectives and dynamic tools for elucidating the complex process in microfluidics. Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) has endowed micro/nanorobots (MNRs) with unprecedented benefits, such as material synthesis, optimal design, fabrication, and swarm behavior. Using advanced AI algorithms, the motion control, environment perception, and swarm intelligence of MNRs in microfluidics are significantly enhanced. This emerging interdisciplinary research trend holds great potential to propel biomedical research to the forefront and make valuable contributions to human health. Herein, we initially introduce the AI algorithms integral to the development of MNRs. We briefly revisit the components, designs, and fabrication techniques adopted by robots in microfluidics with an emphasis on the application of AI. Then, we review the latest research pertinent to AI-enhanced MNRs, focusing on their motion control, sensing abilities, and intricate collective behavior in microfluidics. Furthermore, we spotlight biomedical domains that are already witnessing or will undergo game-changing evolution based on AI-enhanced MNRs. Finally, we identify the current challenges that hinder the practical use of the pioneering interdisciplinary technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dong
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawen Lin
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Yihui Tao
- Department of Automation Control and System Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yuan Jia
- Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lining Sun
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Wen Jung Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
- School of Mechatronics Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- Research Center of Aerospace Mechanism and Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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5
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Reynolds MF, Miskin MZ. Materials for electronically controllable microactuators. MRS BULLETIN 2024; 49:107-114. [PMID: 38435786 PMCID: PMC10907459 DOI: 10.1557/s43577-024-00665-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Abstract Electronically controllable actuators have shrunk to remarkably small dimensions, thanks to recent advances in materials science. Currently, multiple classes of actuators can operate at the micron scale, be patterned using lithographic techniques, and be driven by complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible voltages, enabling new technologies, including digitally controlled micro-cilia, cell-sized origami structures, and autonomous microrobots controlled by onboard semiconductor electronics. This field is poised to grow, as many of these actuator technologies are the firsts of their kind and much of the underlying design space remains unexplored. To help map the current state of the art and set goals for the future, here, we overview existing work and examine how key figures of merit for actuation at the microscale, including force output, response time, power consumption, efficiency, and durability are fundamentally intertwined. In doing so, we find performance limits and tradeoffs for different classes of microactuators based on the coupling mechanism between electrical energy, chemical energy, and mechanical work. These limits both point to future goals for actuator development and signal promising applications for these actuators in sophisticated electronically integrated microrobotic systems. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Reynolds
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Marc Z. Miskin
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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6
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Yu H, Gold JI, Wolter TJ, Bao N, Smith E, Zhang HA, Twieg RJ, Mavrikakis M, Abbott NL. Actuating Liquid Crystals Rapidly and Reversibly by Using Chemical Catalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2309605. [PMID: 38331028 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Microtubules and catalytic motor proteins underlie the microscale actuation of living materials, and they have been used in reconstituted systems to harness chemical energy to drive new states of organization of soft matter (e.g., liquid crystals (LCs)). Such materials, however, are fragile and challenging to translate to technological contexts. Rapid (sub-second) and reversible changes in the orientations of LCs at room temperature using reactions between gaseous hydrogen and oxygen that are catalyzed by Pd/Au surfaces are reported. Surface chemical analysis and computational chemistry studies confirm that dissociative adsorption of H2 on the Pd/Au films reduces preadsorbed O and generates 1 ML of adsorbed H, driving nitrile-containing LCs from a perpendicular to a planar orientation. Subsequent exposure to O2 leads to oxidation of the adsorbed H, reformation of adsorbed O on the Pd/Au surface, and a return of the LC to its initial orientation. The roles of surface composition and reaction kinetics in determining the LC dynamics are described along with a proof-of-concept demonstration of microactuation of beads. These results provide fresh ideas for utilizing chemical energy and catalysis to reversibly actuate functional LCs on the microscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaizhe Yu
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, 1 Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jake I Gold
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Trenton J Wolter
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Nanqi Bao
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, 1 Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Evangelos Smith
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Hanyu Alice Zhang
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, 1 Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Robert J Twieg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, 1175 Risman Drive, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Manos Mavrikakis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Nicholas L Abbott
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, 1 Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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7
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McCaskill JS, Karnaushenko D, Zhu M, Schmidt OG. Microelectronic Morphogenesis: Smart Materials with Electronics Assembling into Artificial Organisms. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2306344. [PMID: 37814374 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Microelectronic morphogenesis is the creation and maintenance of complex functional structures by microelectronic information within shape-changing materials. Only recently has in-built information technology begun to be used to reshape materials and their functions in three dimensions to form smart microdevices and microrobots. Electronic information that controls morphology is inheritable like its biological counterpart, genetic information, and is set to open new vistas of technology leading to artificial organisms when coupled with modular design and self-assembly that can make reversible microscopic electrical connections. Three core capabilities of cells in organisms, self-maintenance (homeostatic metabolism utilizing free energy), self-containment (distinguishing self from nonself), and self-reproduction (cell division with inherited properties), once well out of reach for technology, are now within the grasp of information-directed materials. Construction-aware electronics can be used to proof-read and initiate game-changing error correction in microelectronic self-assembly. Furthermore, noncontact communication and electronically supported learning enable one to implement guided self-assembly and enhance functionality. Here, the fundamental breakthroughs that have opened the pathway to this prospective path are reviewed, the extent and way in which the core properties of life can be addressed are analyzed, and the potential and indeed necessity of such technology for sustainable high technology in society is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S McCaskill
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Ca' Bottacin, Dorsoduro 3911, Venice, 30123, Italy
| | - Daniil Karnaushenko
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Minshen Zhu
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Oliver G Schmidt
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Ca' Bottacin, Dorsoduro 3911, Venice, 30123, Italy
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8
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Bo R, Xu S, Yang Y, Zhang Y. Mechanically-Guided 3D Assembly for Architected Flexible Electronics. Chem Rev 2023; 123:11137-11189. [PMID: 37676059 PMCID: PMC10540141 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Architected flexible electronic devices with rationally designed 3D geometries have found essential applications in biology, medicine, therapeutics, sensing/imaging, energy, robotics, and daily healthcare. Mechanically-guided 3D assembly methods, exploiting mechanics principles of materials and structures to transform planar electronic devices fabricated using mature semiconductor techniques into 3D architected ones, are promising routes to such architected flexible electronic devices. Here, we comprehensively review mechanically-guided 3D assembly methods for architected flexible electronics. Mainstream methods of mechanically-guided 3D assembly are classified and discussed on the basis of their fundamental deformation modes (i.e., rolling, folding, curving, and buckling). Diverse 3D interconnects and device forms are then summarized, which correspond to the two key components of an architected flexible electronic device. Afterward, structure-induced functionalities are highlighted to provide guidelines for function-driven structural designs of flexible electronics, followed by a collective summary of their resulting applications. Finally, conclusions and outlooks are given, covering routes to achieve extreme deformations and dimensions, inverse design methods, and encapsulation strategies of architected 3D flexible electronics, as well as perspectives on future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renheng Bo
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Shiwei Xu
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Youzhou Yang
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- Applied
Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory
of Flexible Electronics Technology, Tsinghua
University, 100084 Beijing, People’s Republic
of China
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9
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Liu AT, Hempel M, Yang JF, Brooks AM, Pervan A, Koman VB, Zhang G, Kozawa D, Yang S, Goldman DI, Miskin MZ, Richa AW, Randall D, Murphey TD, Palacios T, Strano MS. Colloidal robotics. NATURE MATERIALS 2023:10.1038/s41563-023-01589-y. [PMID: 37620646 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01589-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Robots have components that work together to accomplish a task. Colloids are particles, usually less than 100 µm, that are small enough that they do not settle out of solution. Colloidal robots are particles capable of functions such as sensing, computation, communication, locomotion and energy management that are all controlled by the particle itself. Their design and synthesis is an emerging area of interdisciplinary research drawing from materials science, colloid science, self-assembly, robophysics and control theory. Many colloidal robot systems approach synthetic versions of biological cells in autonomy and may find ultimate utility in bringing these specialized functions to previously inaccessible locations. This Perspective examines the emerging literature and highlights certain design principles and strategies towards the realization of colloidal robots.
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Grants
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- FA9550-15-1-0514 United States Department of Defense | United States Air Force | AFMC | Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF Office of Scientific Research)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-1-0233 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
- W911NF-19-10372 United States Department of Defense | United States Army | U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command | Army Research Office (ARO)
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Tianxiang Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marek Hempel
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jing Fan Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Allan M Brooks
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ana Pervan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Volodymyr B Koman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daichi Kozawa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sungyun Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel I Goldman
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marc Z Miskin
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andréa W Richa
- School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Dana Randall
- School of Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd D Murphey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tomás Palacios
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Michael S Strano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Tao Y, Lin L, Ren X, Wang X, Cao X, Gu H, Ye Y, Ren Y, Zhang Z. Four-Dimensional Micro/Nanorobots via Laser Photochemical Synthesis towards the Molecular Scale. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1656. [PMID: 37763819 PMCID: PMC10537291 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Miniaturized four-dimensional (4D) micro/nanorobots denote a forerunning technique associated with interdisciplinary applications, such as in embeddable labs-on-chip, metamaterials, tissue engineering, cell manipulation, and tiny robotics. With emerging smart interactive materials, static micro/nanoscale architectures have upgraded to the fourth dimension, evincing time-dependent shape/property mutation. Molecular-level 4D robotics promises complex sensing, self-adaption, transformation, and responsiveness to stimuli for highly valued functionalities. To precisely control 4D behaviors, current-laser-induced photochemical additive manufacturing, such as digital light projection, stereolithography, and two-photon polymerization, is pursuing high-freeform shape-reconfigurable capacities and high-resolution spatiotemporal programming strategies, which challenge multi-field sciences while offering new opportunities. Herein, this review summarizes the recent development of micro/nano 4D laser photochemical manufacturing, incorporating active materials and shape-programming strategies to provide an envisioning of these miniaturized 4D micro/nanorobots. A comparison with other chemical/physical fabricated micro/nanorobots further explains the advantages and potential usage of laser-synthesized micro/nanorobots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Tao
- Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronics and Terahertz Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Zhejiang Chuangge Technology Co., Ltd., Zhuji 311899, China
| | - Liansheng Lin
- Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronics and Terahertz Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xudong Ren
- Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronics and Terahertz Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xuejiao Wang
- Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronics and Terahertz Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xia Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Heng Gu
- Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronics and Terahertz Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yunxia Ye
- Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronics and Terahertz Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yunpeng Ren
- Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronics and Terahertz Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Postdoctoral Workstation, Zhejiang Chuangge Technology Co., Ltd., Zhuji 311899, China
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Li Z, Wang K, Hou C, Li C, Zhang F, Ren W, Dong L, Zhao J. Self-sensing intelligent microrobots for noninvasive and wireless monitoring systems. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:102. [PMID: 37565051 PMCID: PMC10409863 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Microrobots have garnered tremendous attention due to their small size, flexible movement, and potential for various in situ treatments. However, functional modification of microrobots has become crucial for their interaction with the environment, except for precise motion control. Here, a novel artificial intelligence (AI) microrobot is designed that can respond to changes in the external environment without an onboard energy supply and transmit signals wirelessly in real time. The AI microrobot can cooperate with external electromagnetic imaging equipment and enhance the local radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field to achieve a large penetration sensing depth and a high spatial resolution. The working ranges are determined by the structure of the sensor circuit, and the corresponding enhancement effect can be modulated by the conductivity and permittivity of the surrounding environment, reaching ~560 times at most. Under the control of an external magnetic field, the magnetic tail can actuate the microrobotic agent to move accurately, with great potential to realize in situ monitoring in different places in the human body, almost noninvasively, especially around potential diseases, which is of great significance for early disease discovery and accurate diagnosis. In addition, the compatible fabrication process can produce swarms of functional microrobots. The findings highlight the feasibility of the self-sensing AI microrobots for the development of in situ diagnosis or even treatment according to sensing signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Li
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Chaojian Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Chunyang Li
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Fanqing Zhang
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Wu Ren
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China
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Ge D, Dai Y, Li K. Self-Oscillating Liquid Crystal Elastomer Helical Spring Oscillator with Combined Tension and Torsion. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3294. [PMID: 37571189 PMCID: PMC10422366 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153294] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-oscillation is the autonomous maintenance of continuous periodic motion through energy absorption from non-periodic external stimuli, making it particularly attractive for fabricating soft robots, energy-absorbing devices, mass transport devices, and so on. Inspired by the self-oscillating system that presents high degrees of freedom and diverse complex oscillatory motions, we created a self-oscillating helical spring oscillator with combined tension and torsion under steady illumination, among which a mass block and a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) helical spring made with LCE wire are included. Considering the well-established helical spring model and the dynamic LCE model, a nonlinear dynamic model of the LCE helical spring oscillator under steady illumination is proposed. From numerical calculation, the helical spring oscillator upon exposure to steady illumination possesses two motion regimes, which are the static regime and the self-tension-torsion regime. Contraction of the LCE wire under illumination is necessary to generate the self-tension-torsion of the helical spring oscillator, with its continuous periodic motion being maintained by the mutual balance between light energy input and damping dissipation. Additionally, the critical conditions for triggering the self-tension-torsion, as well as the vital system parameters affecting its frequencies and amplitudes of the translation and the rotation, were investigated in detail. This self-tension-torsion helical spring oscillator is unique in its customizable mechanical properties via its structural design, small material strain but large structural displacement, and ease of manufacture. We envision a future of novel designs for soft robotics, energy harvesters, active machinery, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Ge
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yuntong Dai
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
| | - Kai Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Anhui Jianzhu University, Hefei 230601, China; (D.G.); (Y.D.)
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Wang T, Joo HJ, Song S, Hu W, Keplinger C, Sitti M. A versatile jellyfish-like robotic platform for effective underwater propulsion and manipulation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg0292. [PMID: 37043565 PMCID: PMC10096580 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Underwater devices are critical for environmental applications. However, existing prototypes typically use bulky, noisy actuators and limited configurations. Consequently, they struggle to ensure noise-free and gentle interactions with underwater species when realizing practical functions. Therefore, we developed a jellyfish-like robotic platform enabled by a synergy of electrohydraulic actuators and a hybrid structure of rigid and soft components. Our 16-cm-diameter noise-free prototype could control the fluid flow to propel while manipulating objects to be kept beneath its body without physical contact, thereby enabling safer interactions. Its against-gravity speed was up to 6.1 cm/s, substantially quicker than other examples in literature, while only requiring a low input power of around 100 mW. Moreover, using the platform, we demonstrated contact-based object manipulation, fluidic mixing, shape adaptation, steering, wireless swimming, and cooperation of two to three robots. This study introduces a versatile jellyfish-like robotic platform with a wide range of functions for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlu Wang
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Hyeong-Joon Joo
- Robotic Materials Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Shanyuan Song
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Bioinspired Autonomous Miniature Robots Group, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Wenqi Hu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Bioinspired Autonomous Miniature Robots Group, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Christoph Keplinger
- Robotic Materials Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
- School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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