Coaxially printed magnetic mechanical electrical hybrid structures with actuation and sensing functionalities.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Soft electromagnetic devices offer significant potential in soft robotics and biomedical applications.
• Existing devices face challenges like limited hybrid functions, stress concentrations, delamination, and material leakage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel hybrid magnetic-mechanical-electrical (MME) core-sheath fiber.
• To overcome limitations of current soft magneto-electrical devices.
• To enable integrated magnetoactive and conductive properties for advanced hybrid functions.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial printing method for fabricating MME fibers and complex 2D/3D structures.
• Integration of magnetoactive and conductive materials within a core-sheath fiber design.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated MME fibers with integrated magnetoactive and conductive properties.
• Enabled hybrid functions including programmable magnetization, somatosensory feedback, and magnetic actuation.
• Achieved simultaneous wireless energy transfer.
• Successfully applied MME devices in minimally invasive electro-ablation with a magnetic catheter, a somatosensory gripper, and an untethered soft robot.

Conclusions:

• The developed MME fiber provides a versatile platform for soft electromagnetic devices.
• This material design strategy unlocks unexplored hybrid functions for soft robotics and biomedical applications.
• The MME fiber addresses challenges related to durability and functionality in soft electronic systems.