Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
05:43
Four-Dimensional Printing of Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel-Based Soft Robots
Published on: January 13, 2023
3.1K
Four-Dimensional Printing of Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel-Based Soft Robots.
Yeonjae Lee1, Jiho Choi1, Youngeun Choi2
1Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Sookmyung Women's University.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|January 30, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a 3D bio-printing method for creating stimuli-responsive, four-dimensional (4D) soft robots. These shape-changing robots, like thermally responsive grippers, offer precise, timed functions for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Four-dimensional (4D) printing enables shape-transformable soft robots.
- Time-dependent shape transformation is crucial for soft robotics, allowing functions triggered by external stimuli.
- Stimuli-responsive materials like hydrogels, polymers, and hybrids are key to developing smart robotic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a protocol for fabricating 4D, time-dependent, shape-changeable, stimuli-responsive soft robots using 3D bio-printing.
- To demonstrate the creation of thermally responsive soft grippers using N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)-based hydrogels.
- To explore the potential of these soft robots in various applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing technique.
- Employing stimuli-responsive materials, specifically N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)-based hydrogels.
- Fabricating soft grippers with sizes ranging from millimeters to centimeters.
Main Results:
- Successfully created four-dimensional (4D), time-dependent, shape-changeable, stimuli-responsive soft robots.
- Developed thermally responsive soft grippers using NIPAM-based hydrogels.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of 3D bio-printing for complex soft robotic systems.
Conclusions:
- The protocol provides a novel method for fabricating intelligent soft robotic systems.
- These soft robots are suitable for applications in smart manipulators, healthcare, and electronics.
- This work opens new avenues for the design and application of advanced soft robotics.
