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High-Speed, Heavy-Load, and Direction-Controllable Photothermal Pneumatic Floating Robot
Xuande Lv1, Wenzhong Wang1, Adam J Clancy2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 5, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a light-driven floating robot (PPFR) that moves on water. The photothermal pneumatic floating robot offers contactless control and eco-friendly operation for various aquatic applications.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Materials Science
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Light-fueled actuators offer contactless and eco-efficient operation.
- Challenges in liquid environments include rapid deformation, light absorption by media, and contamination.
- Existing light-driven systems face limitations in aquatic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a photothermal pneumatic floating robot (PPFR) for efficient liquid-based actuation.
- To overcome challenges associated with light-driven devices in aqueous environments.
- To explore the potential of PPFRs for diverse underwater tasks.
Main Methods:
- A boat-paddle structure was designed for the PPFR.
- An isolated photothermal composite converts light energy to thermal energy, driving pneumatic actuation.
- Photothermal actuation principles were studied and controlled to achieve desired movement.
Main Results:
- The PPFR achieved an average velocity of 13.1 mm s-1 in water.
- Demonstrated remote on-demand differential steering and self-sustained oscillation.
- The PPFR's lifting mechanism can move up to 4 times its own mass.
Conclusions:
- The developed PPFR effectively utilizes photothermal pneumatic actuation for liquid environments.
- The robot's design is adaptable to various shapes and materials, enabling diverse applications.
- PPFRs present a versatile platform for tasks such as water sampling, pollutant collection, and underwater robotics.
