Functional Fluid-Based Soft Robotic Actuation

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Materials Science
• Fluid Mechanics

Background:

• Soft robots offer advantages like safe human-robot interaction and adaptability.
• Current fluidic actuation relies on rigid pumps and valves, limiting flexibility and portability.
• Developing standardized, universal actuation methods is a key challenge for soft robotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review novel functional fluid actuation technologies for soft robotics.
• To introduce principles, designs, and applications of energy-converted fluidic actuation.
• To discuss the pros, cons, and future trends of these advanced actuation methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advancements in responsive fluid materials.
• Introduction of functional fluid actuation converting various energies (electrical, magnetic, thermal, chemical, acoustic) into fluidic energy.
• Analysis of structure designs and robotic applications.

Main Results:

• Functional fluid actuation eliminates mechanical movable components, enabling flexible and portable systems.
• These technologies offer customized, powerful fluidic actuation for soft robots.
• A comprehensive overview of different functional fluid actuation methods is presented.

Conclusions:

• Functional fluid actuation presents a promising alternative to traditional methods for soft robotics.
• Further development is needed to optimize these technologies for widespread adoption.
• This review provides guidance for future research and development in tailored fluidic actuation for soft robots.