Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025
12:04
Microfluidic Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators
Published on: May 20, 2018
8.9K
Magneto-Photochemically Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer for Underwater Actuation.
Yasaman Nemati1, Qi Yang1,2, Fereshteh Sohrabi3
1Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, FI-33101 Tampere, Finland.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 9, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel soft robot system combining magnetic and light-based control for versatile underwater actuation. This dual-mode system enhances control for small-scale soft robots in various environments.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Remote control of soft robots is crucial for applications in confined or opaque environments.
- Magnetic and optical stimuli offer distinct advantages for actuating soft materials.
- Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are promising materials for shape morphing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a monolithic soft robot system integrating both magnetic and optical actuation.
- To explore synergistic control strategies for enhanced robotic functionality.
- To demonstrate versatile underwater actuation capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a monolithic liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) composite.
- Integration of magnetic and photochemical actuation schemes within the LCE.
- Demonstration of dual-mode robotic functionalities including object gripping and translocation.
Main Results:
- The composite LCE system exhibits synergistic magnetic and photochemical actuation.
- Demonstrated distinct robotic tasks using optical (gripping) and magnetic (translocation) stimuli.
- Showcased light as a control signal to modulate magnetically induced actuation.
Conclusions:
- Combining magnetic and optical actuation provides powerful dual-mode control for wireless, small-scale soft robots.
- The developed system is particularly suitable for submersed environments due to its isothermal nature.
- This integrated approach expands possibilities for advanced soft robotics applications.
