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Wang H, Li X, Wang X, Qin Y, Pan Y, Guo X. Somatosensory Electro-Thermal Actuator through the Laser-Induced Graphene Technology. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310612. [PMID: 38087883 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The biological system realizes the unity of action and perception through the muscle tissue and nervous system. Correspondingly, artificial soft actuators realize the unity of sensing and actuating functions in a single functional material, which will have tremendous potential for developing intelligent and bionic soft robotics. This paper reports the design of a laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrothermal actuator with self-sensing capability. LIG, a functional material formed by a one-step direct-write lasing procedure under ambient air, is used as electrothermal conversion materials and piezoresistive sensing materials. By transferring LIG to a flexible silicone substrate, the design ability of the LIG-based actuator unit is enriched, along with an effectively improved sensing sensitivity. Through the integration of different types of well-designed LIG-based actuator units, the transformations from multidimensional precursors to 2D and 3D structures are realized. According to the piezoresistive effect of the LIG units during the deformation process, the visual synchronous deformation state feedback of the LIG-based actuator is proposed. The multimodal crawling soft robotics and the switchable electromagnetic shielding cloak serve as the demonstrations of the self-sensing LIG-based actuator, showing the advantage of the design in remote control of the soft robot without relying on the assistance of visual devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xuyang Li
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wang
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yong Qin
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yang Pan
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaogang Guo
- Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
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2
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Song H, Jang Y, Lee JP, Choe JK, Yun M, Baek YK, Kim J. Highly Compressible 3D-Printed Soft Magnetoelastic Sensors for Human-Machine Interfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:59776-59786. [PMID: 38086780 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Incorporating perception into robots or objects holds great potential to revolutionize daily human life. To achieve this, critical factors include the design of an integrable three-dimensional (3D) soft sensor with self-powering capability, a wide working range, and tuneable functionalities. Here, we introduce a highly compressible 3D-printed soft magnetoelastic sensor with a wide strain sensing range. Inspired by the lattice metamaterial, which offers a highly porous structure with tuneable mechanical properties, we realized a remarkably compliant 3D self-powering sensor. Using magnetoelastic composite materials and 3D printing combined with sacrificial molding, a broad design space for constituent materials and structures is investigated, allowing for tuneable mechanical properties and sensor performances. These sensors are successfully integrated with two robotic systems as the robot operation and perception units, enabling robot control and recognition of diverse physical interactions with a user. Overall, we believe that this work represents a cornerstone for compliant 3D self-powered soft sensors, giving impetus to the development of advanced human-machine interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonseo Song
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
| | - Yeonwoo Jang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
| | - Jin Pyo Lee
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jun Kyu Choe
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
| | - Minbyeol Yun
- Powder Materials Division, Korea Institute of Material Science, Changwon 51508, South Korea
| | - Youn-Kyoung Baek
- Powder Materials Division, Korea Institute of Material Science, Changwon 51508, South Korea
| | - Jiyun Kim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
- Center for Multidimensional Programmable Matter, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, South Korea
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Ding H, Liu J, Shen X, Li H. Advances in the Preparation of Tough Conductive Hydrogels for Flexible Sensors. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4001. [PMID: 37836050 PMCID: PMC10575238 DOI: 10.3390/polym15194001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of tough conductive hydrogels has led to considerable progress in the fields of tissue engineering, soft robots, flexible electronics, etc. Compared to other kinds of traditional sensing materials, tough conductive hydrogels have advantages in flexibility, stretchability and biocompatibility due to their biological structures. Numerous hydrogel flexible sensors have been developed based on specific demands for practical applications. This review focuses on tough conductive hydrogels for flexible sensors. Representative tactics to construct tough hydrogels and strategies to fulfill conductivity, which are of significance to fabricating tough conductive hydrogels, are briefly reviewed. Then, diverse tough conductive hydrogels are presented and discussed. Additionally, recent advancements in flexible sensors assembled with different tough conductive hydrogels as well as various designed structures and their sensing performances are demonstrated in detail. Applications, including the wearable skins, bionic muscles and robotic systems of these hydrogel-based flexible sensors with resistive and capacitive modes are discussed. Some perspectives on tough conductive hydrogels for flexible sensors are also stated at the end. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of tough conductive hydrogels and will offer clues to researchers who have interests in pursuing flexible sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyao Ding
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.D.)
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.D.)
| | - Xiaodong Shen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China; (H.D.)
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory for Light-Weight Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Liu B, Han L, Xu H, Su JJ, Zhan D. Ultrasonic-Assisted Electrochemical Nanoimprint Lithography: Forcing Mass Transfer to Enhance the Localized Etching Rate of GaAs. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300491. [PMID: 37493590 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical nanoimprint lithography (ECNL) has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating three-dimensional micro/nano-structures (3D-MNSs) directly on semiconductor wafers. This technique is based on a localized corrosion reaction induced by the contact potential across the metal/semiconductor boundaries. The anodic etching of semiconductor and the cathodic reduction of electron acceptors occur at the metal/semiconductor/electrolyte interface and the Pt mold surface, respectively. However, the etching rate is limited by the mass transfer of species in the ultrathin electrolyte layer between the mold and the workpiece. To overcome this challenge, we introduce the ultrasonics effect into the ECNL process to facilitate the mass exchange between the ultrathin electrolyte layer and the bulk solution, thereby improving the imprinting efficiency. Experimental investigations demonstrate a positive linear relationship between the reciprocal of the area duty ratio of the mold and the imprinting efficiency. Furthermore, the introduction of ultrasonics improves the imprinting efficiency by approximately 80 %, irrespective of the area duty ratio. The enhanced imprinting efficiency enables the fabrication of 3D-MNSs with higher aspect ratios, resulting in a stronger light trapping effect. These results indicate the prospective applications of ECNL in semiconductor functional devices, such as photoelectric detection and photovoltaics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Lianhuan Han
- Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Hantao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces (PCOSS), Engineering Research Center of Electrochemical Technologies of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jian-Jia Su
- Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces (PCOSS), Engineering Research Center of Electrochemical Technologies of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Dongping Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces (PCOSS), Engineering Research Center of Electrochemical Technologies of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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Hsain Z, Akbari M, Prasanna A, Jiang Z, Akbarzadeh M, Pikul JH. Electrochemical Healing of Fractured Metals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211242. [PMID: 36933269 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Repairing fractured metals to extend their useful lifetimes advances sustainability and mitigates carbon emissions from metal mining and processing. While high-temperature techniques are being used to repair metals, the increasing ubiquity of digital manufacturing and "unweldable" alloys, as well as the integration of metals with polymers and electronics, call for radically different repair approaches. Herein, a framework for effective room-temperature repair of fractured metals using an area-selective nickel electrodeposition process refered to as electrochemical healing is presented. Based on a model that links geometric, mechanical, and electrochemical parameters to the recovery of tensile strength, this framework enables 100% recovery of tensile strength in nickel, low-carbon steel, two "unweldable" aluminum alloys, and a 3D-printed difficult-to-weld shellular structure using a single common electrolyte. Through a distinct energy-dissipation mechanism, this framework also enables up to 136% recovery of toughness in an aluminum alloy. To facilitate practical adoption, this work reveals scaling laws for the energetic, financial, and time costs of healing, and demonstrates the restoration of a functional level of strength in a fractured standard steel wrench. Empowered with this framework, room-temperature electrochemical healing can open exciting possibilities for the effective, scalable repair of metals in diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Hsain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mostafa Akbari
- Department of Architecture, Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adhokshid Prasanna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhimin Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Masoud Akbarzadeh
- Department of Architecture, Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James H Pikul
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Truby RL, Chin L, Zhang A, Rus D. Fluidic innervation sensorizes structures from a single build material. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq4385. [PMID: 35947669 PMCID: PMC9365281 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq4385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctional materials with distributed sensing and programmed mechanical properties are required for myriad emerging technologies. However, current fabrication techniques constrain these materials' design and sensing capabilities. We address these needs with a method for sensorizing architected materials through fluidic innervation, where distributed networks of empty, air-filled channels are directly embedded within an architected material's sparse geometry. By measuring pressure changes within these channels, we receive feedback regarding material deformation. Thus, this technique allows for three-dimensional printing of sensorized structures from a single material. With this strategy, we fabricate sensorized soft robotic actuators on the basis of handed shearing auxetics and accurately predict their kinematics from the sensors' proprioceptive feedback using supervised learning. Our strategy for facilitating structural, sensing, and actuation capabilities through control of form alone simplifies sensorized material design for applications spanning wearables, smart structures, and robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L. Truby
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lillian Chin
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Annan Zhang
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniela Rus
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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A 3D-printed neuromorphic humanoid hand for grasping unknown objects. iScience 2022; 25:104119. [PMID: 35391826 PMCID: PMC8980759 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with conventional von Neumann's architecture-based processors, neuromorphic systems provide energy-saving in-memory computing. We present here a 3D neuromorphic humanoid hand designed for providing an artificial unconscious response based on training. The neuromorphic humanoid hand system mimics the reflex arc for a quick response by managing complex spatiotemporal information. A 3D structural humanoid hand is first integrated with 3D-printed pressure sensors and a portable neuromorphic device that was fabricated by the multi-axis robot 3D printing technology. The 3D neuromorphic robot hand provides bioinspired signal perception, including detection, signal transmission, and signal processing, together with the biomimetic reflex arc function, allowing it to hold an unknown object with an automatically increased gripping force without a conventional controlling processor. The proposed system offers a new approach for realizing an unconscious response with an artificially intelligent robot.
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Xu H, Han L, Su JJ, Tian ZQ, Zhan D. Spatially-separated and photo-enhanced semiconductor corrosion processes for high-efficient and contamination-free electrochemical nanoimprint lithography. Sci China Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-021-1194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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New Flexible Tactile Sensor Based on Electrical Impedance Tomography. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020185. [PMID: 35208309 PMCID: PMC8877845 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In order to obtain external information and ensure the security of human–computer interaction, a double sensitive layer structured tactile sensor was proposed in this paper. Based on the EIT (Electrical Impedance Tomography) method, the sensor converts the information from external collisions or contact into local conductivity changes, and realizes the detection of one or more contact points. These changes can be processed into an image containing positional and force information. The experiments were conducted on the actual sensor sample. The OpenCV toolkit was used to process the positional information of contact points. The distributional regularities of errors in positional detection were analyzed, and the accuracy of the positional detection was evaluated. The effectiveness, sensitivity, and contact area of the force detection were analyzed based on the result of the EIT calculations. Furthermore, multi-object tests of pressure were conducted. The results of the experiment indicated that the proposed sensor performed well in detecting the position and force of contact. It is suitable for human–robot interaction.
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Flexible mechanical metamaterials enabling soft tactile sensors with multiple sensitivities at multiple force sensing ranges. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24125. [PMID: 34916550 PMCID: PMC8677735 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03588-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of existing tactile sensors are designed to measure a particular range of force with a fixed sensitivity. However, some applications require tactile sensors with multiple task-relevant sensitivities at multiple ranges of force sensing. Inspired by the human tactile sensing capability, this paper proposes a novel soft tactile sensor based on mechanical metamaterials which exhibits multiple sensitivity regimes due to the step-by-step locking behaviour of its heterogenous multi-layered structure. By tuning the geometrical design parameters of the collapsible layers, each layer experiences locking behaviour under different ranges of force which provides different sensitivity of the sensor at different force magnitude. The integration of a magnetic-based transduction method with the proposed structure results in high design degrees of freedom for realising the desired contact force sensitivities and corresponding force sensing ranges. A systematic design procedure is proposed to select appropriate design parameters to produce the desired characteristics. Two example designs of the sensor structure were fabricated using widely available benchtop 3D printers and tested for their performance. The results showed the capability of the sensor in providing the desired characteristics in terms of sensitivity and force range and being realised in different shapes, sizes and number of layers in a single structure. The proposed multi-sensitivity soft tactile sensor has a great potential to be used in a wide variety of applications where different sensitivities of force measurement is required at different ranges of force magnitudes, from robotic manipulation and human–machine interaction to biomedical engineering and health-monitoring.
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