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A Controllable Galinstan Droplet Gripper Driven by Electrically Induced Interfacial Modulation
Qingming Hu1,2,3, Deyu Pan1, Yanqi Guan1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, China.
Electrophoresis
|July 25, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel gripper using an electrically controlled liquid metal (Galinstan) droplet for gentle, precise manipulation of small objects. The flexible gripper system offers residue-free gripping and automated transport, advancing precision assembly.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Gallium-based liquid metals offer unique properties like fluidity and electrical conductivity for precision manipulation.
- Conventional rigid grippers can damage delicate objects, limiting applications in high-precision assembly.
- Liquid metal interfaces can be adaptively conformed to irregular or fragile surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, flexible gripper system utilizing an electrically driven liquid metal droplet for precise object manipulation.
- To investigate the electrocapillary and electrochemical control of liquid metal deformation for gripping and release.
- To demonstrate automated transport of small objects using the developed liquid metal gripper.
Main Methods:
- A compact gripper system was designed using an electrically driven Galinstan droplet as the actuating element.
- Electrocapillary and electrochemical processes were employed to control droplet deformation for gripping and release.
- Systematic investigation of parameters including voltage, electrolyte concentration, and droplet volume on gripping performance.
- Load-bearing tests and transport of various small objects were conducted.
Main Results:
- The liquid metal gripper achieved stable clamping within 0.2-4 seconds at low voltages (~0.15 V).
- Objects were released without visible residue through reverse voltage application.
- Successful transport of diverse objects (glass, ceramic, iron spheres, small fish) with sizes around 2 mm.
- Maximum stable transportable load of 0.4 g was determined for a 2.25 mm aperture gripper.
Conclusions:
- Electrically controlled Galinstan droplet grippers provide a feasible strategy for gentle and precise manipulation of small objects.
- The system demonstrates potential for applications in precision assembly and automated small-scale handling.
- This approach overcomes limitations of conventional rigid grippers for delicate materials.
