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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
08:17
Free-form Light Actuators — Fabrication and Control of Actuation in Microscopic Scale
Published on: May 25, 2016
9.6K
Visible and infrared three-wavelength modulated multi-directional actuators
Bo Zuo1, Meng Wang1, Bao-Ping Lin1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Institute of Advanced Materials, Southeast University, 211189, Nanjing, China.
Nature Communications
|October 6, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a novel light-controlled soft actuator system. This multi-stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomer actuator allows precise control over movement direction and shape morphing modes using different light wavelengths.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Soft Actuators
Background:
- Light-guided soft actuators are rapidly developing but lack precise control over movement and shape.
- Existing methods face challenges in easily modulating direction and morphing modes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multi-stimuli-responsive soft actuator system with precise control over movement and shape morphing.
- To overcome limitations of light scanning position/direction restrictions in soft actuators.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a hierarchical structured liquid crystal elastomer actuator.
- Employed selective stimulation of specific domains using three wavelength bands of light (520, 808, 980 nm).
- Demonstrated near-infrared dual-wavelength and visible/infrared tri-wavelength modulated actuators.
Main Results:
- Achieved multi-directional movement and diverse shape morphing modes.
- Successfully demonstrated a multi-directional walker robot.
- Showcased precise and reversible modulation of actuator behavior through light stimulus.
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy enables advanced control over soft actuators.
- The system offers broad application prospects in robotics and biomimetic technology.
- This work advances the field of light-controlled soft robotics.
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