Facile Manufacturing Route for Magneto‐Responsive Soft Actuators. (7th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carpenter, Julia A.; Eberle, Thomas B.; Schuerle, Simone; Rafsanjani, Ahmad; Studart, André R.
• Is Part Of: Advanced intelligent systems. Volume 3:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-07
• Subjects: actuators -- magnetic particles -- silicone -- soft robotics; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Robotics -- Periodicals; Control theory -- Periodicals; 006.3
• DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202000283
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2640-4567

Abstract

Abstract : Magnetically driven soft actuators are unique because they are fast, remote‐controlled, conformal to rigid objects, and safe to interact with humans. Despite these multiple functionalities, a broader utilization of such actuators is hindered by the high cost and equipment‐intensive nature of currently available manufacturing processes. Herein, a simple fabrication route for magneto‐responsive soft actuators is described using cost‐effective and broadly available raw materials and equipment. The method utilizes castable silicone resins that are loaded with magnetic particles and subsequently magnetized under an external magnetic field. The experimental investigation of silicone‐based composites prepared with particles of distinct chemistries, sizes, and morphologies enables the identification of the raw materials and magnetization conditions required for the process. This leads to functional soft actuators with programmable magnetic patterns that are capable of performing pick‐and‐place, lifting, catching, and moving tasks under the remote action of an external magnetic field. By removing manufacturing hurdles associated with costly raw materials and equipment, the proposed approach is expected to facilitate the design, implementation, and exploitation of the unique functionalities of magneto‐controlled soft actuators in a wider number of applications. Abstract : Silicone‐based soft actuators that are able to quickly grasp, lift, or pick‐and‐place objects under the action of an external magnetic field can be manufactured using widely available magnets and molding tools. This cost‐effective manufacturing route relies on the formulation of commercial silicone resins containing oxide particles with specific magnetic properties.