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Shimada K. Morphological Fabrication of Equilibrium and Auditory Sensors through Electrolytic Polymerization on Hybrid Fluid Rubber (HF Rubber) for Smart Materials of Robotics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22145447. [PMID: 35891135 PMCID: PMC9319743 DOI: 10.3390/s22145447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of auditory sensors and systems is essential in smart materials of robotics and is placed at the strategic category of mutual communication between humans and robots. We designed prototypes of the rubber-made equilibrium and auditory sensors, mimicking hair cells in the saccule and the cochlea at the vestibule of the human ear by utilizing our previously proposed technique of electrolytic polymerization on the hybrid fluid rubber (HF rubber). The fabricated artificial hair cells embedded with mimicked free nerve endings and Pacinian corpuscles, which are well-known receptors in the human skin and have already been elucidated effective in the previous study, have the intelligence of equilibrium and auditory sensing. Moreover, they have a voltage that is generated from built-in electricity caused by the ionized particles and molecules in the HF rubber due to piezoelectricity. We verified the equilibrium and auditory characteristics by measuring the changes in voltage with inclination, vibration over a wide frequency range, and sound waves. We elucidated experimentally that the intelligence has optimum morphological conditions. This work has the possibility of advancing the novel technology of state-of-the-art social robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunio Shimada
- Faculty of Symbiotic Systems Sciences, Fukushima University, 1 Kanayagawa, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
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Strauß J, Stritih-Peljhan N. Vibration detection in arthropods: Signal transfer, biomechanics and sensory adaptations. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 68:101167. [PMID: 35576788 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In arthropods, the detection of vibrational signals and stimuli is essential in several behaviours, including mate recognition and pair formation, prey detection, and predator evasion. These behaviours have been studied in several species of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans for vibration production and propagation in the environment. Vibration stimuli are transferred over the animals' appendages and the body to vibrosensory organs. Ultimately, the stimuli are transferred to act on the dendrites of the mechanosensitive sensilla. We refer to these two different levels of transfer as macromechanics and micromechanics, respectively. These biomechanical processes have important roles in filtering and pre-processing of stimuli, which are not carried out by neuronal components of sensory organs. Also, the macromechanical transfer is posture-dependent and enables behavioural control of vibration detection. Diverse sensory organs respond to vibrations, including cuticular sensilla (slit sensilla, campaniform sensilla) and internal chordotonal organs. These organs provide various adaptations, as they occur at diverse body positions with different mechanical couplings as input pathways. Macromechanics likely facilitated evolution of vibrosensory organs at specific body locations. Thus, vibration detection is a highly complex sensory capacity, which employs body and sensory mechanics for signal filtering, amplification, and analysis of frequency, intensity and directionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Strauß
- AG Integrative Sensory Physiology, Institute for Animal Physiology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Gießen, Germany.
| | - Nataša Stritih-Peljhan
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Boublil BL, Diebold CA, Moss CF. Mechanosensory Hairs and Hair-like Structures in the Animal Kingdom: Specializations and Shared Functions Serve to Inspire Technology Applications. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:6375. [PMID: 34640694 PMCID: PMC8512044 DOI: 10.3390/s21196375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological mechanosensation has been a source of inspiration for advancements in artificial sensory systems. Animals rely on sensory feedback to guide and adapt their behaviors and are equipped with a wide variety of sensors that carry stimulus information from the environment. Hair and hair-like sensors have evolved to support survival behaviors in different ecological niches. Here, we review the diversity of biological hair and hair-like sensors across the animal kingdom and their roles in behaviors, such as locomotion, exploration, navigation, and feeding, which point to shared functional properties of hair and hair-like structures among invertebrates and vertebrates. By reviewing research on the role of biological hair and hair-like sensors in diverse species, we aim to highlight biological sensors that could inspire the engineering community and contribute to the advancement of mechanosensing in artificial systems, such as robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cynthia F. Moss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (B.L.B.); (C.A.D.)
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Qin J, Yin LJ, Hao YN, Zhong SL, Zhang DL, Bi K, Zhang YX, Zhao Y, Dang ZM. Flexible and Stretchable Capacitive Sensors with Different Microstructures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2008267. [PMID: 34240474 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Recently, sensors that can imitate human skin have received extensive attention. Capacitive sensors have a simple structure, low loss, no temperature drift, and other excellent properties, and can be applied in the fields of robotics, human-machine interactions, medical care, and health monitoring. Polymer matrices are commonly employed in flexible capacitive sensors because of their high flexibility. However, their volume is almost unchanged when pressure is applied, and they are inherently viscoelastic. These shortcomings severely lead to high hysteresis and limit the improvement in sensitivity. Therefore, considerable efforts have been applied to improve the sensing performance by designing different microstructures of materials. Herein, two types of sensors based on the applied forces are discussed, including pressure sensors and strain sensors. Currently, five types of microstructures are commonly used in pressure sensors, while four are used in strain sensors. The advantages, disadvantages, and practical values of the different structures are systematically elaborated. Finally, future perspectives of microstructures for capacitive sensors are discussed, with the aim of providing a guide for designing advanced flexible and stretchable capacitive sensors via ingenious human-made microstructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Li-Juan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ya-Nan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Shao-Long Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Dong-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ke Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications, School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Yong-Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zheng Zhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zhi-Min Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Power System, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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Ma B, Xu C, Cui L, Zhao C, Liu H. Magnetic Printing of Liquid Metal for Perceptive Soft Actuators with Embodied Intelligence. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:5574-5582. [PMID: 33472372 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators with perception capability are essential for robots to intelligently interact with humans and the environment. However, existing perceptive soft actuators require complex integration and coupling between the discrete functional units to achieve autonomy. Here, we report entirely soft actuators with embodied sensing, actuation, and control at the single-unit level. This is achieved by synergistically harnessing the mechanosensing and electrothermal properties of liquid metal (LM) to actuate the thermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). We create multifunctional LM circuits on the LCE surface using a simple and facile methodology based on magnetic printing. The fluidic LM circuit can not only be utilized as a conformable resistive heater but also as a sensory skin to perceive its own deformation. Moreover, the rational design of the LM circuits makes it possible to achieve biomimetic autonomous actuation in response to mechanical stimuli such as pressure or strain. In addition, the intrinsic stretchability of LM allows us to create 3D spring-like actuators via a simple prestretch step, and complex helical motions can be obtained upon mechanical stimulation. This work provides a unique and simple design for autonomous soft robotics with embodied intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Lishan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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Fiorello I, Del Dottore E, Tramacere F, Mazzolai B. Taking inspiration from climbing plants: methodologies and benchmarks-a review. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2020; 15:031001. [PMID: 32045368 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab7416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the major challenges in robotics and engineering is to develop efficient technological solutions that are able to cope with complex environments and unpredictable constraints. Taking inspiration from natural organisms is a well-known approach to tackling these issues. Climbing plants are an important, yet innovative, source of inspiration due to their ability to adapt to diverse habitats, and can be used as a model for developing robots and smart devices for exploration and monitoring, as well as for search and rescue operations. This review reports the main methodologies and approaches used by scientists to investigate and extract the features of climbing plants that are relevant to the artificial world in terms of adaptation, movement, and behaviour, and it summarizes the current available climbing plant-inspired engineering solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Fiorello
- The Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy. Center for Micro-Biorobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
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Abstract
In Nature, the adaptability of many organisms and their capability to survive in challenging and dynamically changing environments are closely linked to their characteristics and the morphology of their body parts [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 56025 Pontedera, Italy.
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