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Springtail-inspired Light-driven Soft Jumping Robots Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Monolithic Three-leaf

Jun Hu1, Zhenzhou Nie1, Meng Wang1

  • 1Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, and Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211189 (P. R. of, China.

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
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Summary

Inspired by springtails, this study presents a light-driven soft robot using a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuator. The robot achieves impressive jumping capabilities, with potential for adaptable locomotion in complex environments.

Keywords:
Catapult MechanismLiquid Crystal ElastomerPhotoactuationSoft Jumping RobotThree-Leaf Panel Fold

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Area of Science:

  • Robotics
  • Materials Science
  • Biomimetics

Background:

  • Jumping is crucial for animal survival and environmental adaptation.
  • Soft robots offer advantages in agility and adaptability.
  • Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) are promising materials for soft actuators.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a light-driven soft jumping robot inspired by springtails.
  • To investigate the performance of a double-folded LCE ribbon actuator.
  • To explore methods for controlling jump parameters like height, distance, and direction.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a soft jumping robot using a double-folded LCE ribbon actuator with a three-leaf panel fold structure.
  • Utilizing near-infrared light irradiation to actuate the LCE.
  • Modifying the actuator's size and crease angle to control jump performance.

Main Results:

  • The robot achieved remarkable jumping performance: up to 87 body lengths (BL) in height, 65 BL in distance, and 930 BL/s in take-off velocity.
  • Jump height, distance, and direction were controllable by adjusting actuator geometry.
  • The robot demonstrated efficient obstacle traversal and continuous jumping in complex environments.

Conclusions:

  • The developed light-driven soft robot exhibits high-performance jumping capabilities.
  • The simple design strategy enhances actuator performance, impacting future soft robot strength and adaptability.
  • This work provides a foundation for advanced, adaptable soft robotic systems.