An artificial muscle capable of shape programmability, deformation-locking capacity without needing continuous external energy, and self-sensing capability is highly desirable yet challenging in applications of reconfigurable antenna, deployable space structures, etc. Inspired by coupled behavior of the muscles, bones, and nerve system of mammals, a multifunctional artificial muscle based on polydopamine-coated liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and low–melting point alloy (LMPA) in the form of a concentric tube/rod is proposed. Thereinto, the outer LCE is used for reversible contraction and recovery (i.e., muscle function); the inner LMPA in the resolidification state is adopted for deformation locking, and that in the melt state is adopted for angle variation monitoring by detecting resistance change (i.e., bones and nerve functions, respectively). The proposed artificial muscle demonstrates multiple performances, including controllable bending angle, position, and direction; deformation locking for supporting heavy objects; and real-time monitoring of angle variation, which also provides a straightforward and effective approach for designing soft devices.

shaped Antenna (PIFA) evaluations and measurements in an intestine phantom. Take-Home Messages This paper systematically presents the design, simulation, and evaluation of an in-body planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) with good compactness, design simplicity and satisfactory impedance matching for application in biotelemetry.  Comprehensive simulation and experimental examination of the antenna's wireless link performance and specific absorption rate (SAR) assessments indicating satisfactory operation/levels between an in-body antenna and an on-body antenna.  Proposal of phantom models, simulation, and experimental procedure for the evaluation of antenna's wireless link and SAR using a commercial system for in-body antenna wireless link evaluations.