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Toward a Multifunctional Light-Driven Biomimetic Mudskipper-Like Robot for Various Application Scenarios
Yangyang Xiang1,2, Bin Li1, Bianhong Li3
1State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 20, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a light-driven, mudskipper-inspired actuator using silicone and graphene oxide. This bionic device mimics natural locomotion, enabling versatile movement like crawling, swimming, and jumping for microrobotics applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomimicry and Robotics
- Materials Science and Engineering
Background:
- Natural biological organisms inspire advancements in microrobotics.
- Developing multifunctional actuators for diverse applications presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a bionic, light-driven actuator inspired by mudskippers.
- To achieve multifunctional actuation capabilities for various scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a light-driven actuator using porous silicone elastomer and graphene oxide.
- Utilizing near-infrared (NIR) light for photothermal-induced actuation.
- Designing the device for controlled locomotion in air and liquid.
Main Results:
- The actuator demonstrated reversible responses to NIR light, enabling cyclical locomotion.
- Achieved controllable floating, swimming, and crawling behaviors.
- Exhibited rapid jumping from liquid to air (400 ms response, 14.3 cm height, 2 m/s speed).
Conclusions:
- The developed mudskipper-like actuator offers versatile, light-controlled locomotion.
- This bioinspired device shows significant potential for microrobots, sensors, and advanced locomotion systems.
