Near-Infrared Light-Driven MXene/Liquid Crystal Elastomer Bimorph Membranes for Closed-Loop Controlled Self-Sensing...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Soft actuators are crucial for next-generation soft robots.
• Current soft actuators lack real-time sensory feedback and self-control.
• This limits their sensing capabilities and multitasking functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a soft actuator with integrated self-sensing and feedback loop control.
• To address limitations in current soft actuator technology.
• To enable precise control and complex task execution in soft robots.

Main Methods:

• Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of MXene/PDDA (PM) onto liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) film.
• Utilizing near-infrared (NIR) light as a driving mechanism.
• Integration strategy to prevent delamination between sensing and actuating layers.

Main Results:

• The developed bimorph membrane exhibits excellent mechanical toughness (16.3 MPa) and actuation stress (1.56 MPa).
• Stable self-sensing capabilities were achieved with a gauge factor of 4.72.
• Demonstrated grasping, traction, and crawling movements using NIR laser control.
• Successful wing actuation and closed-loop motion control with insect microcontroller units (MCUs).

Conclusions:

• The NIR-driven soft actuator offers robust performance and integrated sensing.
• The developed actuator enables precise remote control and complex task modulation.
• This work paves the way for advanced functionalities in soft robotics.