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Soft Actuators and Actuation: Design, Synthesis, and Applications.
Mulenga Kalulu1,2, Bright Chilikwazi2, Jun Hu1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Jiangning, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211189, P. R. China.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|June 8, 2024
Summary
Hydrogel actuators offer flexible, stimulus-responsive solutions for soft robotics and biomedical uses. This review covers their material design, fabrication, and diverse applications, highlighting future opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Soft actuators are crucial for advanced technologies, with hydrogel-based actuators offering unique flexibility and responsiveness.
- These actuators are vital for applications ranging from soft robotics to artificial muscles and biomedical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of hydrogel actuators.
- To explore material compositions, design techniques, and fabrication methods.
- To examine the broad spectrum of applications and future prospects.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hydrogel actuator materials and fabrication.
- Analysis of techniques including 3D printing, photopolymerization, cross-linking, and microfabrication.
- Categorization of applications across various scientific and engineering fields.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel actuators demonstrate significant potential due to their inherent properties.
- Diverse fabrication methods enable tailored actuator performance.
- Applications span soft robotics, biomedical engineering, microfluidics, and energy systems.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogel actuators represent a significant advancement in soft actuation technology.
- Further research into material design and fabrication can enhance performance and expand applications.
- Addressing challenges and regulatory aspects is key for widespread adoption.
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