Single-step precision programming of decoupled multiresponsive soft millirobots

Area of Science:

• Soft robotics
• Materials science
• Microfabrication

Background:

• Stimuli-responsive soft robots are crucial for medical, AI, and electronics applications.
• Current designs struggle with precise control, complex transformations, and multi-stimuli responsiveness due to coupled responses and intricate fabrication.
• There is a need for advanced soft robots with high degrees of freedom, multifunctionality, and fabrication accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel one-step strategy for programming multistep shape-morphing soft millirobots (MSSMs).
• To achieve decoupled multi-stimuli responsiveness in MSSMs for enhanced functionality.
• To enable precise fabrication of complex soft robotic structures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multilayered elastomer and laser scanning technology for selective processing.
• Achieved a minimum machining precision of 30 μm for intricate structures.
• Developed a one-step strategy to program multistep shape-morphing in response to decoupled stimuli.

Main Results:

• Fabricated MSSMs capable of imitating plant morphing and hand gestures, resembling kirigami, pop-up, and bistable structures.
• Demonstrated decoupled responsiveness to humidity, temperature, and magnetic fields.
• Showcased MSSMs performing shape morphing during locomotion, logic circuit control, and remote circuit repair.

Conclusions:

• The proposed strategy enables effective design and fabrication of untethered soft miniature robots with physical intelligence.
• Advances decoupled multiresponsive materials through modular tailoring of robotic structures and properties.
• Presents a paradigm for creating multifunctional soft robots with high precision and complex shape-morphing capabilities.