Microfiber Actuators With Hot-Pressing-Programmable Mechano-Photothermal Responses for Electromagnetic Perception

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Sensing Technology

Background:

• Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) poses a ubiquitous environmental hazard that is difficult to detect dynamically.
• Existing detection methods often lack adaptability and reliability in diverse scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mechano-photothermal cooperative microfiber film (MFF) actuator capable of synchronously detecting EMR with high reliability.
• To engineer an amphibious robot utilizing MFFs for adaptive locomotion and environmental sensing.

Main Methods:

• Programmable actuation of MFFs via hot-pressing, incorporating black phosphorus for photothermal enhancement.
• Design of an amphibious robot with MFF-driven land-water adaptive locomotion.
• Integration of electromagnetic induction for EMR perception during robot locomotion.

Main Results:

• The MFF actuator exhibits moderate modulus, superior toughness, and efficient response and bending curvature.
• The amphibious robot demonstrates effective crawling on land and locomotion on water.
• The robot achieves highly sensitive and adaptable EMR perception (99.73% ± 0.15%) over a wide range of intensities and distances.

Conclusions:

• The developed MFF actuator offers a novel approach for reliable EMR detection and programmable actuation.
• The MFF-based amphibious robot showcases multi-scenario adaptivity and autonomous environment perceptivity.
• This work pioneers environment-interactive smart materials and soft robots with enhanced sensing capabilities.