Light-steerable locomotion using zero-elastic-energy modes.

Area of Science:

• Soft matter physics
• Robotics
• Materials science

Background:

• Achieving autonomous and steerable robotic motion from synthetic materials is crucial for advanced applications.
• Dissipative mechanisms can drive materials out of equilibrium, enabling self-sustained motions.
• Controlling agile movement in diverse environments remains a significant challenge in soft robotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a light-fueled soft material system for autonomous, self-sustained robotic motion.
• To demonstrate dynamic steerability and agile movement in various environments.
• To explore the potential of prestrained topological structures in out-of-equilibrium soft matter robotics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a liquid crystal elastomer torus with prestrained topological structure.
• Utilizing constant light excitation to induce self-sustained out-of-equilibrium movement.
• Exploiting dynamic friction and drag for optical control of locomotion direction.

Main Results:

• The liquid crystal elastomer torus exhibits spontaneous rotation under constant light excitation due to zero-elastic-energy modes.
• Locomotion direction is optically controlled in both dry and fluid environments.
• Demonstrated lateral and vertical swimming in the Stokes regime, with steerability in three-dimensional space.

Conclusions:

• Light-fueled soft liquid crystal elastomer tori offer a novel platform for autonomous robotic functions.
• Prestrained topological structures are key to enabling steerable, out-of-equilibrium soft matter robotics.
• The demonstrated optical control of locomotion opens possibilities for advanced soft robotic systems.