A Graphene-Mica-Based Photo-Thermal Actuator for Small-Scale Soft Robots

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Soft robots offer unique advantages for navigating complex environments but face challenges in actuator performance, robustness, and system integration.
• Current limitations include achieving rapid, reversible 2D-to-3D shape morphing, sufficient actuation force, and untethered control for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present mechanically compliant, paper-like soft robots with multiple functionalities.
• To develop photothermally activated polymer bimorph actuators for light-driven shape morphing and locomotion.
• To demonstrate the potential of these actuators for untethered manipulation and versatile robotic functions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polymer bimorph actuators incorporating graphene for photothermal conversion and muscovite mica for stiffness.
• Design and numerical simulation of actuators based on a modified Timoshenko model to evaluate performance.
• Integration of actuators into small-scale soft robots to demonstrate locomotion, grasping, and kicking functionalities.

Main Results:

• Actuators exhibit light-driven programmable 2D-to-3D shape morphing and bending due to photothermal expansion.
• Localized control enables active hinges for precise manipulation and movement.
• Demonstrated successful locomotion (rolling, flipping), grasping, and kicking capabilities in integrated soft robots.

Conclusions:

• The developed photothermal actuators offer a promising solution for overcoming key challenges in soft robotics.
• These paper-like robots demonstrate significant potential for untethered manipulation and versatile applications.
• The modular design and fabrication method facilitate mass production and future advancements in soft robotics.