A review on reprogrammable bistable structures

Abstract

Bistable structures have attracted attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in soft robotics, logic gates and energy harvesting devices. The bi-stability is always an inherent property if the bistable structures are pre-designed. A reprogrammable bistable structure that does not require re-designing and re-fabricating the prototype is highly desirable. Despite its vast potential and burgeoning interest, the field of reprogrammable bistable structures lacks a cohesive and comprehensive review. Therefore, this paper presents a state-of-the-art review of recent advances in the basic structural forms, key parameters determining bistable characteristics, active regulation mechanisms, and potential applications of reprogrammable bistable structures. It also presents the remaining challenges and suggests possible future research directions in the field of reprogrammable bistable structures. This review will provide valuable insights for researchers and engineers to explore the vast potential of reprogrammable bistable structures.