Selaginella lepidophylla-Inspired Multi-Stimulus Cooperative Control MXene-Based Flexible Actuator.

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Materials Science
• Biomimetics

Background:

• Achieving predictable bending, high cycle stability, and complex motion in flexible robots remains a challenge.
• The humidity response of *Selaginella lepidophylla* offers inspiration for novel actuator designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new multilevel assisted assembly strategy for constructing flexible actuators.
• To create MXene-CoFe2O4 (MXCFO) actuators with concentration gradients for predictable deformation and multi-stimulus control.
• To investigate the relationship between gradient changes and actuator bending ability.

Main Methods:

• A novel multilevel assisted assembly strategy was employed.
• MXene-CoFe2O4 (MXCFO) flexible actuators with varying concentration gradients were constructed.
• The actuators' bending deformation, cycle stability, and interlayer bonding were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The bionic gradient structured actuator exhibited uniform thickness and high cycle stability, maintaining excellent interlayer bonding after 100 bending cycles.
• A clear link was established between gradient changes and the actuator's bending deformation capability.
• The actuators demonstrated predictable bending deformation and multi-stimulus cooperative control.

Conclusions:

• The developed bionic gradient structure and multi-stimulus control strategy show significant potential for future flexible robot design.
• The actuators successfully realized conceptual models for humidity monitoring, climbing, grasping, cargo transportation, and drug delivery.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for creating advanced, responsive flexible robotic systems.