Minimally designed thermo-magnetic dual responsive soft robots for complex applications.

Journal: Journal of materials chemistry. B
PMID: 38597898

Abstract

The fabrication of thermo-magnetic dual-responsive soft robots often requires intricate designs to implement complex locomotion patterns and utilize the implemented responsive behaviors. This work demonstrates a minimally designed soft robot based on poly--isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM) and ferromagnetic particles, showcasing excellent control over both thermo- and magnetic responses. Free radical polymerization enables the magnetic particles to be entrapped homogeneously within the polymeric network. The integration of magnetic shape programming and temperature response allows the robot to perform various tasks including shaping, locomotion, pick-and-place, and release maneuvers of objects using independent triggers. The robot can be immobilized in a gripping state through magnetic actuation, and a subsequent increase in temperature transitions the robot from a swollen to a collapsed state. The temperature switch enables the robot to maintain a secured configuration while executing other movements magnetic actuation. This approach offers a straightforward yet effective solution for achieving full control over both stimuli in dual-responsive soft robotics.

Authors

  • Clio Siebenmorgen
    University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology, Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands. p.van.rijn@umcg.nl.
  • Chen Wang
    Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
  • Laurens Bosscher Navarro
    University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology, Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands. p.van.rijn@umcg.nl.
  • Daniele Parisi
    University of Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Product Technology - Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
  • Sarthak Misra
    Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
  • Venkatasubramanian Kalpathy Venkiteswaran
    Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
  • Patrick van Rijn
    University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology, Deusinglaan 1, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands. p.van.rijn@umcg.nl.

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