Multifunctional soft machines based on stimuli-responsive hydrogels: from freestanding hydrogels to smart integrated systems

Ding, Meng; Jing, Lin; Yang, Haitao; Machnicki, C.E.; Fu, Xuemei; Li, K.; Wong, Ian Y.; Chen, P.-Y.

doi:10.1016/j.mtadv.2020.100088

Cited by 86 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 245 publications

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“…A variety of futuristic applications of stimuli-responsive soft robots have been proposed in the forms of flexible electronics, sensors, biomedical tools, optics, and actuators [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][24][25][26]. Furthermore, hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots combined with multi-functional nanoparticles, low-dimensional materials, or liquid crystals have also displayed promising applications in flexible electronics, mechanical sensors, smart actuators, and biomedical systems [18][19][20][21][23][24][25][26][27][28]. This section particularly describes advanced applications of hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots focusing on extensively multi-responsive and multi-functional actuators (e.g., manipulators, grippers, and walkers) and sensors (e.g., wearable electronics, strain sensors, biosensors, and gas sensors).…”

Section: Applications Of Hybrid Soft Robotsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Soft Robots with Integrated Hybrid Materials

Son

Yoon

2020

Actuators

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Hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots have been extensively developed by incorporating multi-functional materials, such as carbon-based nanoparticles, nanowires, low-dimensional materials, and liquid crystals. In addition to the general functions of conventional soft robots, hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots have displayed significantly advanced multi-mechanical, electrical, or/and optical properties accompanied with smart shape transformation in response to external stimuli, such as heat, light, and even biomaterials. This review surveys the current enhanced scientific methods to synthesize the integration of multi-functional materials within stimuli-responsive soft robots. Furthermore, this review focuses on the applications of hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots in the forms of actuators and sensors that display multi-responsive and highly sensitive properties. Finally, it highlights the current challenges of stimuli-responsive soft robots and suggests perspectives on future directions for achieving intelligent hybrid stimuli-responsive soft robots applicable in real environments.

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Section: Applications Of Hybrid Soft Robotsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Soft Robots with Integrated Hybrid Materials

Son

Yoon

2020

Actuators

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“…With hydrogels, the shrinking/swelling mismatch is often used to induce shape change of the hydrogels. [ 28–31 ] As biocompatible materials, hydrogels are promising in biomedical applications. [ 32,33 ] Living cells can be even embedded in hydrogels to form morphed living composites.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Functional Liquid Crystal Polymer Surfaces with Switchable Topographies

2020

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Surface coatings, as interfaces between functional devices and targeted objects, are critical in the performance of functional devices. Switchable topographies bring opportunities to regulate the functionality of surfaces, ranging from morphing and controllable friction to object lifting and debris removal. Various responsive materials have been investigated to develop switchable surfaces, among which liquid crystal (LC) polymers are attractive candidates due to their anisotropic properties. Herein, focus is put on recent reports of switchable surfaces made of LC polymers. The principle of actuation of LC polymer–based switchable surfaces is introduced, with following exemplary applications derived from these responsive surfaces in the field of surface morphing, switchable surface friction, and moving/lifting of objects. Finally, future possible applications of and challenges in using dynamic coatings with switchable surface topographies are discussed.

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“…Stimuli-responsive so materials [1][2][3][4] that can sense external environmental cues and change their size, shape, and mechanical properties have found use in a number of applications, such as actuators, 5,6 so robotics, 7,8 tissue culture, [9][10][11] and the controlled release of cells, biomolecules and drugs. [12][13][14] Oen, the responsivity is programmed into the so material at the (macro)molecular level prior to formation of a liquid crystal elastomer or gel network for example.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%