Programmable Liquid Matter

Abstract

Figure 1. Programmable liquid matter making nonlinear shape of alphabet "S". 7x7 electrodes array dynamic switching to control EGaIn to make an 'S' shape. ABSTRACTIn this paper, we demonstrate a method for the dynamic 2D transformation of liquid matter and present unique organic animations based on spatio-temporally controlled electric fields.In particular, we deploy a droplet of liquid metal (Gallium indium eutectic alloy) in a 7x7 electrode array prototype system, featuring an integrated image tracking system and a simple GUI. Exploiting the strong dependance of EGaIn's surface tension on external electric voltages, we control multiple electrodes dynamically to manipulate the liquid metal into a fine-grained desired shape. Taking advantage of the high conductivity of liquid metals, we introduce a shape changing, reconfigurable smart circuit as an example of unique applications. We discuss system constraints and the overarching challenge of controlling liquid metals in the presence of phenomena such as splitting, self-electrode interference and finger instabilities. Finally, we reflect on the broader vision of this project and discuss our work in the context of the wider scope of programmable materials.

Liquid Metal Smart Materials toward Soft Robotics

“…Based on this principle, a typical early exploration showed that a continuous pattern could be Need electrolytes [60,102,193,194] formed by changing the polarity of the electrodes. [88] Multiple electrodes were used because elongated liquid metal exhibits fluid instability. Aiming to overcome this challenge, Li et al [89] proposed that a liquid metal doped with Fe could suppress instabilities owing to the decrease in surface tension from electrochemical oxidation, thereby allowing the liquid metal to be stretched to tens of times its original length.…”

Flowcuits: Crafting Tangible and Interactive Electrical Components with Liquid Metal Circuits

“…Unique properties of liquid materials have been exploited in fluidic devices to create diverse applications such as sensing input [42, 49-51, 54, 58], visual and haptic output [15,18,27,48,55], and soft robotics [2,11,22,30,53,57]. Recent advances in the use of fluidics in human-computer interaction explore the interactive capabilities of fluidic mechanisms [34] and shape-changing materials [28].…”

Recent progress on liquid metals and their applications

“…Based on these merits, a wide range of applications can be developed, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches and conductive microcomponents [62]. Tokuda et al demonstrated novel manipulation of liquid metal with a vision to expand the work on shape changing, programmable material and consider its use as a method for providing a programmable electric circuit [63]. Figure 16 shows work mechanism for liquid metal deformation, and the liquid metal can deform in a desired shape by adjusting the voltages among the electrode array.…”

“…Figure 16 shows work mechanism for liquid metal deformation, and the liquid metal can deform in a desired shape by adjusting the voltages among the electrode array. These techniques provide a new platform to realise novel manipulation and detailed 2D control of liquid metals under a programmable electric circuit [63].…”