Molecular-channel driven actuator with considerations for multiple configurations and color switching

Abstract

The ability to achieve simultaneous intrinsic deformation with fast response in commercially available materials that can safely contact skin continues to be an unresolved challenge for artificial actuating materials. Rather than using a microporous structure, here we show an ambient-driven actuator that takes advantage of inherent nanoscale molecular channels within a commercial perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer (PFSA) film, fabricated by simple solution processing to realize a rapid response, self-adaptive, and exceptionally stable actuation. Selective patterning of PFSA films on an inert soft substrate (polyethylene terephthalate film) facilitates the formation of a range of different geometries, including a 2D (two-dimensional) roll or 3D (three-dimensional) helical structure in response to vapor stimuli. Chemical modification of the surface allowed the development of a kirigami-inspired single-layer actuator for personal humidity and heat management through macroscale geometric design features, to afford a bilayer stimuli-responsive actuator with multicolor switching capability.

Somatosensory, Light‐Driven, Thin‐Film Robots Capable of Integrated Perception and Motility

“…[ 8 ] Unlike conventional hard machines, soft robots are comprised of structures that continuously response, deform and morph in efforts to autonomously adapt to surroundings, manipulate objects, and execute dexterous maneuvers. [ 9 ] Without doubt, the stimulus responsiveness and multifunctionalities of active soft matter have opened up opportunities for diverse designs of actuation strategies [ 10–15 ] (including light, heat, humidity, electrical, pneumatic, and magnetic actuation) and sensing schemes [ 16–20 ] (such as resistive, capacitive, and self‐powered sensing). Synchronous motility and multisensory perception in one compact system, especially when the robot size is down to centimeter scale, still proves a particular fabrication challenge.…”

An Autonomous Soft Actuator with Light‐Driven Self‐Sustained Wavelike Oscillation for Phototactic Self‐Locomotion and Power Generation

“…The unique characteristics of oscillation as well as its potential for various applications (e.g., soft robots for walking or swimming, self‐cleaning surfaces, and energy coupling) inspire us to devise novel types of artificial self‐oscillating actuators with self‐sustained autonomous motion under a constant environment 3–8. However, at present, most of the smart actuators for converting external environmental stimuli into mechanical deformation can only produce unsustainable single motion under constant stimulation, which lacks the autonomy compared with self‐oscillation in nature 9–19. To realize repeated and continuous autonomous motion, the control devices and systems for dynamically regulating the variation or on‐off switching of the external stimuli are commonly required 20–27.…”

Asymmetric elastoplasticity of stacked graphene assembly actualizes programmable untethered soft robotics

“…Recently, a variety of flexible morphing systems have been developed with configurable soft materials by taking the advantage of various mechanisms such as asymmetric thermal expansion 5,6 , liquid crystalline transitions 7,8 , phase transitions [9][10][11][12] , and anisotropic swelling [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] , etc. To achieve shape programming and customization, numerous efforts have been made by applying specific chemical structures through a variety of polymeric materials including shape memory polymers (SMPs) [22][23][24][25] , vitrimer 26 , hydrogel [27][28][29] , organogel 30 .…”