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Zhou S, Li Y, Wang Q, Lyu Z. Integrated Actuation and Sensing: Toward Intelligent Soft Robots. CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS 2024; 5:0105. [PMID: 38711958 PMCID: PMC11070852 DOI: 10.34133/cbsystems.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Soft robotics has received substantial attention due to its remarkable deformability, making it well-suited for a wide range of applications in complex environments, such as medicine, rescue operations, and exploration. Within this domain, the interaction of actuation and sensing is of utmost importance for controlling the movements and functions of soft robots. Nonetheless, current research predominantly focuses on isolated actuation and sensing capabilities, often neglecting the critical integration of these 2 domains to achieve intelligent functionality. In this review, we present a comprehensive survey of fundamental actuation strategies and multimodal actuation while also delving into advancements in proprioceptive and haptic sensing and their fusion. We emphasize the importance of integrating actuation and sensing in soft robotics, presenting 3 integration methodologies, namely, sensor surface integration, sensor internal integration, and closed-loop system integration based on sensor feedback. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges in the field and suggest compelling directions for future research. Through this comprehensive synthesis, we aim to stimulate further curiosity among researchers and contribute to the development of genuinely intelligent soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qianqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering,
Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Zhiyang Lyu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering,
Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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Villeda-Hernandez M, Baker BC, Romero C, Rossiter JM, Dicker MPM, Faul CFJ. Chemically Driven Oscillating Soft Pneumatic Actuation. Soft Robot 2023; 10:1159-1170. [PMID: 37384917 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2022.0168] [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: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumatic actuators are widely studied in soft robotics as they are facile, low cost, scalable, and robust and exhibit compliance similar to many systems found in nature. The challenge is to harness high energy density chemical and biochemical reactions that can generate sufficient pneumatic pressure to actuate soft systems in a controlled and ecologically compatible manner. This investigation evaluates the potential of chemical reactions as both positive and negative pressure sources for use in soft robotic pneumatic actuators. Considering the pneumatic actuation demands, the chemical mechanisms of the pressure sources, and the safety of the system, several gas evolution/consumption reactions are evaluated and compared. Furthermore, the novel coupling of both gas evolution and gas consumption reactions is discussed and evaluated for the design of oscillating systems, driven by the complementary evolution and consumption of carbon dioxide. Control over the speed of gas generation and consumption is achieved by adjusting the initial ratios of feed materials. Coupling the appropriate reactions with pneumatic soft-matter actuators has delivered autonomous cyclic actuation. The reversibility of these systems is demonstrated in a range of displacement experiments, and practical application is shown through a soft gripper that can move, pick up, and let go of objects. Our approach presents a significant step toward more autonomous, versatile soft robots driven by chemo-pneumatic actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Villeda-Hernandez
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- School of Civil, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Centre of Functional Nanomaterials, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin C Baker
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Romero
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M Rossiter
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P M Dicker
- School of Civil, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Charl F J Faul
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Huang T, Su Z, Hou K, Zeng J, Zhou H, Zhang L, Nunes SP. Advanced stimuli-responsive membranes for smart separation. Chem Soc Rev 2023. [PMID: 37184537 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00911k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Membranes have been extensively studied and applied in various fields owing to their high energy efficiency and small environmental impact. Further conferring membranes with stimuli responsiveness can allow them to dynamically tune their pore structure and/or surface properties for efficient separation performance. This review summarizes and discusses important developments and achievements in stimuli-responsive membranes. The most commonly utilized stimuli, including light, pH, temperature, ions, and electric and magnetic fields, are discussed in detail. Special attention is given to stimuli-responsive control of membrane pore structure (pore size and porosity/connectivity) and surface properties (wettability, surface topology, and surface charge), from the perspective of determining the appropriate membrane properties and microstructures. This review also focuses on strategies to prepare stimuli-responsive membranes, including blending, casting, polymerization, self-assembly, and electrospinning. Smart applications for separations are also reviewed as well as a discussion of remaining challenges and future prospects in this exciting field. This review offers critical insights for the membrane and broader materials science communities regarding the on-demand and dynamic control of membrane structures and properties. We hope that this review will inspire the design of novel stimuli-responsive membranes to promote sustainable development and make progress toward commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiefan Huang
- Functional Membrane Materials Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China.
| | - Zhixin Su
- Functional Membrane Materials Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China.
| | - Kun Hou
- Functional Membrane Materials Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China.
| | - Jianxian Zeng
- Functional Membrane Materials Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China.
| | - Hu Zhou
- Functional Membrane Materials Engineering Research Center of Hunan Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Membrane and Water Treatment of MOE, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
- Academy of Ecological Civilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Suzana P Nunes
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Nanostructured Polymeric Membranes Laboratory, Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Igwe Idumah
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Faculty of Engineering, Awka, Nigeria
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5
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Carvalho AF, Kulyk B, Fernandes AJS, Fortunato E, Costa FM. A Review on the Applications of Graphene in Mechanical Transduction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2101326. [PMID: 34288155 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202101326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A pressing need to develop low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sensitive sensors has arisen with the advent of the always-connected paradigm of the internet-of-things (IoT). In particular, mechanical sensors have been widely studied in recent years for applications ranging from health monitoring, through mechanical biosignals, to structure integrity analysis. On the other hand, innovative ways to implement mechanical actuation have also been the focus of intense research in an attempt to close the circle of human-machine interaction, and move toward applications in flexible electronics. Due to its potential scalability, disposability, and outstanding properties, graphene has been thoroughly studied in the field of mechanical transduction. The applications of graphene in mechanical transduction are reviewed here. An overview of sensor and actuator applications is provided, covering different transduction mechanisms such as piezoresistivity, capacitive sensing, optically interrogated displacement, piezoelectricity, triboelectricity, electrostatic actuation, chemomechanical and thermomechanical actuation, as well as thermoacoustic emission. A critical review of the main approaches is presented within the scope of a wider discussion on the future of this so-called wonder material in the field of mechanical transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre F Carvalho
- I3N-Aveiro, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Bohdan Kulyk
- I3N-Aveiro, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | | | - Elvira Fortunato
- I3N/CENIMAT, Materials Science Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and CEMOP/UNINOVA, Caparica, 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Florinda M Costa
- I3N-Aveiro, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
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Xu X, Hao X, Hu J, Gao W, Ning N, Yu B, Zhang L, Tian M. Recyclable silicone elastic light-triggered actuator with a reconfigurable Janus structure and self-healable performance. Polym Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py01632f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A recyclable silicone elastic light-triggered actuator with reconfigurable Janus structure and self-healable performance is reported, which was fabricated via heterogeneous crosslinking induced by a gradient intensity of UV light due to CNTs accretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xinyue Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Weisheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- China National Petroleum & Chemical Planning Institute, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Nanying Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ming Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Key Laboratory of Carbon Fiber and Functional Polymers, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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Recent Advances in Graphene and Conductive Polymer Composites for Supercapacitor Electrodes: A Review. CRYSTALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst11080947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Supercapacitors (SCs) have generated a great deal of interest regarding their prospects for application in energy storage due to their advantages such as long life cycles and high-power density. Graphene is an excellent electrode material for SCs due to its high electric conductivity and highly specific surface area. Conductive polymers (CPs) could potentially become the next-generation SC electrodes because of their low cost, facile synthesis methods, and high pseudocapacitance. Graphene/CP composites show conspicuous electrochemical performance when used as electrode materials for SCs. In this article, we present and summarize the synthesis and electrochemical performance of graphene/CP composites for SCs. Additionally, the method for synthesizing electrode materials for better electrochemical performance is discussed.
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Liu J, Xu L, He C, Lu X, Wang F. Transparent low-voltage-driven soft actuators with silver nanowires Joule heaters. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py00837d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Transparent soft actuators with silver nanowire Joule heaters embedded in liquid crystal elastomer and PDMS layer was prepared, and it can perform reversible large bending deformation driven by low voltage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lulu Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Chaobin He
- Polymer Composites, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-03 Innovis, 138634 Singapore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117574, Singapore
| | - Xuehong Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - FuKe Wang
- Polymer Composites, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-03 Innovis, 138634 Singapore
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