Robust, Healable, Self-Locomotive Integrated Robots Enabled by Noncovalent Assembled Gradient Nanostructure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Soft robots require integration, lightweight design, and intelligence for advancement.
• Current soft robots made from hydrogels or silicone rubber have mechanical limitations and integration challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel elastomer actuator inspired by nacre for advanced soft robots.
• To overcome the limitations of existing soft robot materials regarding mechanical properties and functional integration.

Main Methods:

• Constructed an elastomer actuator using supramolecular multiscale assembly with sulfonated graphene-based gradient nanostructures.
• Mimicked nacre's structure to achieve enhanced material properties.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultrahigh toughness (141.19 MJ/m³) and high room-temperature self-healing efficiency (89%).
• Demonstrated a proof-of-concept robot with a maximum swimming speed of 2.67 body lengths per second, comparable to plankton.
• Showcased stable pollutant absorption and recovery of robustness and functionality after damage.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanocomposite breaks the trade-off between functional execution and fast locomotion in soft robots.
• The nanostructural design offers a pathway for creating integrated robots with multifunctionality.
• This advancement paves the way for more robust and versatile soft robotic applications.