Locally controllable magnetic soft actuators with reprogrammable contraction-derived motions

Abstract

Reprogrammable magneto-responsive soft actuators capable of working in enclosed and confined spaces and adapting functions under changing situations are highly demanded for new-generation smart devices. Despite the promising prospect, the realization of versatile morphing modes (more than bending) and local magnetic control remains challenging but is crucial for further on-demand applications. Here, we address the challenges by maximizing the unexplored potential of magnetothermal responsiveness and covalent adaptable networks (CANs) in liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs). Various magneto-actuated contraction-derived motions that were hard to achieve previously (e.g., bidirectional shrinkage and dynamic 3D patterns) can be attained, reprogrammed, and assembled seamlessly to endow functional diversity and complexity. By integration of LCEs with different magneto-responsive threshold values, local and sequential magnetic control is readily realized. Many magnetic actuation portfolios are performed by rationally imputing “logic switch” sequences. Meanwhile, our systems exhibit additional favorable performances including stepwise magnetic controllability, multiresponsiveness, self-healing, and remolding ability.

Multicomponent and multifunctional integrated miniature soft robots

“…3(d)). 42,123 Acrylate groups were introduced into the LCE film to form permanent covalent bonds through thermal polymerization to ensure the stable welding of the film. The welding of LCE with different compositions via interfacial welding techniques enables robotic structures to selectively respond to light and heat in different regions.…”

Ultrasonic-Excited Ultrafast Seamless Integration of Heterostructured Liquid Crystalline Elastomers for Multi-responsive Soft Actuators

“…Soft robots, or soft actuators, are developed from intrinsically conformable materials inspired by the behaviors of living organisms, which have significant advantages over rigid robots for the safe and adaptive interaction with humans and harsh environments. − Soft robots have gained increasing attention for their numerous real-world applications, such as tissue engineering, assistive healthcare devices, and aeronautics. , Stimuli-responsive liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are promising candidates for soft robots, featuring unique optomechanical response, reversible large actuation, and robust mechanical properties because of the synergistic effect of polymer entropy elasticity and anisotropic liquid crystalline (LC) alignment. − LCEs are typically prepared by first orientation of mesogenic groups via mechanical stretching or surface alignment, and subsequent fixation of LC network anisotropy via crosslinking reactions . Upon reversible order–disorder phase transition of mesogenic groups, LCEs can undergo macroscopic and reversible shape changes in response to light, heat, magnetic fields, etc . − However, LCEs generally exhibit poor processability because of the insoluble and infusible crosslinked networks. The most reported works of monolithic LCE actuators can only achieve simplex deformations such as bending, oscillating, and waving. − To meet the growing demand for soft robots, it is highly urgent for multicomponent and heterostructured LCEs with improved dexterity and flexibility to perform sophisticated operations.…”

Adaptable Phosphate Networks towards Robust, Reprocessable, Weldable, and Alertable-Yet-Extinguishable Epoxy Vitrimer

“…Stimuli-responsive polymeric materials have attracted substantial attention due to the surging development of intelligent devices such as smart actuators, soft robotics, tissue scaffolds, and unfolder devices [1][2][3][4]. Thermosetting stimuli-responsive materials are preferable for their mechanical properties and dimensional stabilities [5] compared to thermoplastic ones.…”