Meniscus-Climbing System Inspired 3D Printed Fully Soft Robotics with Highly Flexible Three-Dimensional Locomotion at the Liquid–Air Interface

Abstract

Soft robotics locomotion at the liquid–air interface has become more and more important for an intelligent society. However, existing locomotion of soft robotics is limited to two dimensions. It remains a formidable challenge to realize three-dimensional locomotion (X, Y, and Z axes) at the liquid–air two-phase interface due to the unbalanced mechanical environment. Inspired by meniscus-climbing beetle larva Pyrrhalta, the mechanism of a three-phase (liquid–solid–air) contact line is here proposed to address the aforementioned challenge. A corresponding 3D printed fully soft robotics (named larvobot) based on photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer/carbon nanotubes composites endowed repeatable programmable deformation and high degree-of-freedom locomotion. Three-dimensional locomotion at the liquid–air interface including twisting and rolling-up has been developed. The equation of motion is established by analyzing the mechanics along the solid–water surface of the larvobot. Meanwhile, ANSYS is used to calculate the stress distribution, which coincides with the speculation. Moreover, soft robotics is remotely driven by light in a precise spatiotemporal control, which provides a great advantage for applications. As an example, we demonstrate the controllable locomotion of the soft robotics inside closed tubes, which could be used for drug delivery and intelligent transportation.

Bone-inspired stress-gaining elastomer enabled by dynamic molecular locking

“…The original DMG-MCPU and BDO-MCPU samples were both comparable to those of linear counterpart (LCPU) and typical liquid crystal elastomers in terms of elastic modulus (0.72 ± 0.17 and 0.45 ± 0.24 MPa), tensile strength (0.66 ± 0.02 and 0.76 ± 0.01 MPa), and toughness (4.93 ± 0.40 and 5.63 ± 0.35 J/m 3 ) (Fig. 4A and tables S1 and S2) (25)(26)(27). However, MCPU exhibited a mechanical enhancement that was substantially distinct from LCPU after the first training.…”

Liquid Crystal Networks Meet Water: It's Complicated!

“…Such nanoparticles include, but are not limited to, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), gold nanorods (GNRs), and graphene. [110][111][112][113] A variety of photothermal deformation profiles such as twisting, bending, coiling, and winding, upon NIR irradiation in water, are reported. [113] The use of nanoparticles to induce photothermal actuation underwater, although effective, might disturb the molecular alignment and change the mechanical properties of LCN actuators, which could adversely affect their actuation amplitude and ability to overcome drag during undulating deformations.…”

Novel Flame-Actuated Soft Actuator Based on a Multilayer Liquid Crystal Elastomer/Hydrogel Composite

“…The advantages of LCE offer soft robots the capability to operate effectively across diverse environments. − Generally, to activate an LCE actuator, the orientation of the liquid crystal mesogen needs to be altered. According to the actuation method of LCE actuators, various approaches like light, , heat , , and electricity , have been reported. However, these actuating approaches are difficult to achieve in fire scenario applications since the fire can cut off the power supply, and the smoke can block the light.…”