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Actuation for flexible and stretchable microdevices
Uditha Roshan1, Amith Mudugamuwa1, Haotian Cha1
1Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia. nam-trung.nguyen@griffith.edu.au.
Lab on a Chip
|March 20, 2024
Summary
This review systematically examines actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices, crucial for advanced applications in biomedicine and soft robotics. It details various actuation methods, materials, and fabrication techniques for enhanced device performance.
Area of Science:
- Micro- and millimetre-scale engineering
- Materials science and engineering
- Robotics and automation
Background:
- Flexible and stretchable microdevices are vital for applications in biomedicine, microfluidics, and soft robotics.
- Actuation is essential for energy conversion and device operation, but challenges exist in scaling conventional mechanisms to micro- and millimetre scales.
- Existing reviews lack a systematic focus on actuation mechanisms specifically for flexible and stretchable microdevices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices.
- To systematically review and compare diverse actuation methods based on fluid pressure, electric, magnetic, mechanical, and chemical sources.
- To explore the influence of materials and fabrication techniques on microdevice development.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of actuation mechanisms for flexible and stretchable microdevices.
- Comparative analysis of different actuation strategies, including their structure designs, characteristics, performance, advantages, and drawbacks.
- Examination of material and fabrication influences on device development.
Main Results:
- Detailed elaboration on various actuation mechanisms (fluid pressure, electric, magnetic, mechanical, chemical) for flexible and stretchable microdevices.
- Thorough comparison of the performance, advantages, and limitations of each actuation type.
- Identification of key materials and fabrication techniques crucial for advancing these microdevices.
Conclusions:
- Actuation mechanisms are critical for the functionality of flexible and stretchable microdevices.
- A wide range of actuation methods exist, each with unique benefits and drawbacks, requiring careful selection based on application needs.
- Further research into materials and fabrication is essential for optimizing performance and expanding applications in biomedicine and soft robotics.
