A Liquid Gripper Based on Phase Transitional Metallic Ferrofluid (Adv. Funct. Mater. 32/2021)

Abstract

Liquid Gripper In article number 2100274, Liang Hu, Yen Wei, Jing Liu, and co‐workers present a magnetic liquid gripper based on a metallic ferrofluid that enables intimate contact with arbitrarily shaped objects and then generates a strong adhesion force upon solidification, which can be reversibly eliminated by moderate melting. Through coupling the magnetism of metallic ferrofluid and switchable adhesion force to objects, any non‐magnetic targets can be manipulated via an applied magnetic field.

Small‐Scale Robotics with Tailored Wettability

“…For instance, the switchable adhesion and on‐demand magnetic grasp of non‐magnetic objects have been achieved using the phase transition of magnetic liquid metal composites (Figure 7d–f). [ 167 ] Moreover, the on‐demand welding of wire junctions has been demonstrated based on active locomotion and liquid metal micro‐welding (Figure 7g). [ 134 ] Apart from water and liquid metals, oil droplets can also be operated as robots and driven at the air–water interface owing to the lightweight and hydrophobicity of oil.…”

“…[ 167 ] Reproduced with permission. [ 167 ] Copyright 2021, Wiley‐VCH. e) Diagram of the switchable magnetic grasp of non‐magnetic objects based on the phase transition of the magnetic liquid metal composites.…”

“…e) Diagram of the switchable magnetic grasp of non‐magnetic objects based on the phase transition of the magnetic liquid metal composites. [ 167 ] Reproduced with permission. [ 167 ] Copyright 2021, Wiley‐VCH.…”

“…[ 167 ] Reproduced with permission. [ 167 ] Copyright 2021, Wiley‐VCH. f) Schematic of the fabrication process of transitional magnetic liquid metal composites.…”

“…f) Schematic of the fabrication process of transitional magnetic liquid metal composites. [ 167 ] Reproduced with permission. [ 167 ] Copyright 2021, Wiley‐VCH.…”