Multi-stimuli-responsive programmable biomimetic actuator

Nat Commun. 2019 Sep 9;10(1):4087. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-12044-5.

Abstract

Untethered small actuators have various applications in multiple fields. However, existing small-scale actuators are very limited in their intractability with their surroundings, respond to only a single type of stimulus and are unable to achieve programmable structural changes under different stimuli. Here, we present a multiresponsive patternable actuator that can respond to humidity, temperature and light, via programmable structural changes. This capability is uniquely achieved by a fast and facile method that was used to fabricate a smart actuator with precise patterning on a graphene oxide film by hydrogel microstamping. The programmable actuator can mimic the claw of a hawk to grab a block, crawl like an inchworm, and twine around and grab the rachis of a flower based on their geometry. Similar to the large- and small-scale robots that are used to study locomotion mechanics, these small-scale actuators can be employed to study movement and biological and living organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics / instrumentation*
  • Graphite / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Pyrroles / chemistry
  • Robotics

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Pyrroles
  • graphene oxide
  • polypyrrole
  • Graphite