Autonomous Soft Robots Empowered by Chemical Reaction Networks. Issue 7 (18th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fusi, Giorgio; Del Giudice, Daniele; Skarsetz, Oliver; Di Stefano, Stefano; Walther, Andreas
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 35:Issue 7(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-12-18
• Subjects: autonomous materials -- chemical reaction networks -- hydrogel actuators -- life‐like materials -- soft robotics; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209870
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrogel actuators are important for designing stimuli‐sensitive soft robots. They generate mechanical motion by exploiting compartmentalized (de)swelling in response to a stimulus. However, classical switching methods, such as manually lowering or increasing the pH, cannot provide more complex autonomous motions. By coupling an autonomously operating pH‐flip with programmable lifetimes to a hydrogel system containing pH‐responsive and non‐responsive compartments, autoonenomous forward and backward motion as well as more complex tasks, such as interlocking of "puzzle pieces" and collection of objects are realized. All operations are initiated by one simple trigger, and the devices operate in a "fire and forget" mode. More complex self‐regulatory behavior is obtained by adding chemo‐mechano‐chemo feedback mechanisms. Due to its simplicity, this method shows great potential for the autonomous operation of soft grippers and metamaterials. Abstract : By using a pH‐flip based on a self‐decarboxylating acid, transient control of a soft actuator is achieved. This method of control allows for tuning of actuation amplitude and duration, and can be coupled to further reactions for more complex self‐regulation. Autonomous operation and unique "fire and forget" time‐programmed applications are demonstrated.