A Polymeric Bilayer Multi-Legged Soft Millirobot with Dual Actuation and Humidity Sensing

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Materials Science
• Biomimicry

Background:

• Wireless control of soft robots often relies on single actuation methods like light or magnetism.
• Integrating multiple actuation modes for enhanced robot mobility is an emerging research area.
• Existing soft robots have limitations in complex environments and multi-functional tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a soft multi-legged millirobot capable of dual actuation using near-infrared (NIR) light and magnetic fields.
• To enhance the robot's mobility, enabling locomotion, slope climbing, and swimming.
• To integrate signal detection and environmental sensing capabilities into the soft robot.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a soft multi-legged millirobot.
• Implementation of dual actuation mechanisms utilizing NIR light and magnetic fields.
• Development of a specialized foot structure to leverage single actuation advantages.
• Programming the robot for complex movements and signal detection tasks.

Main Results:

• The millirobot successfully demonstrated wireless control through dual NIR light and magnetic actuation.
• Achieved versatile locomotion, including movement, slope climbing, and swimming.
• Enabled signal sensing and analysis of ambient fluctuations in confined spaces.
• The unique foot design enhanced performance across different actuation modes.

Conclusions:

• This work presents a novel soft millirobot with dual-mode actuation for improved mobility and sensing.
• The developed millirobot offers a versatile platform for complex tasks in challenging environments.
• This research provides a new direction for creating multi-functional soft robots with combined actuation methods.