Soft robotics: a futuristic extension of stretchable electronics technology
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Edward J. Barron
Abstract
Multifunctional materials can enable new robotic and electronic technologies through unique combinations of mechanical and functional properties. Soft multifunctional composites, which incorporate functional inclusions such as metals, ceramics, or fluids into soft polymers, have shown exciting properties such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, magnetic response, or stimuli-responsive shape and rigidity tuning. These composites have enabled new forms of electronics and robots that are soft and deformable with capabilities that enable adaptive, responsive, and multifunctional capabilities, reminiscent of capabilities found in biological organisms. In this chapter, we discuss fabrication methods, resulting properties, and applications of several classes of multifunctional composite architectures that integrate functional inclusions with soft polymers. There will be an emphasis on room temperature liquid metals (LM), low melting point alloys (LMPA), and magnetic powders and fluids as inclusions. We will then discuss how integrating synergistic forms of these multifunctional materials can create intriguing possibilities for advanced soft robotic systems.
Abstract
Multifunctional materials can enable new robotic and electronic technologies through unique combinations of mechanical and functional properties. Soft multifunctional composites, which incorporate functional inclusions such as metals, ceramics, or fluids into soft polymers, have shown exciting properties such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, magnetic response, or stimuli-responsive shape and rigidity tuning. These composites have enabled new forms of electronics and robots that are soft and deformable with capabilities that enable adaptive, responsive, and multifunctional capabilities, reminiscent of capabilities found in biological organisms. In this chapter, we discuss fabrication methods, resulting properties, and applications of several classes of multifunctional composite architectures that integrate functional inclusions with soft polymers. There will be an emphasis on room temperature liquid metals (LM), low melting point alloys (LMPA), and magnetic powders and fluids as inclusions. We will then discuss how integrating synergistic forms of these multifunctional materials can create intriguing possibilities for advanced soft robotic systems.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Beyond Moore’s law to more than Moore in stretchable electronics 1
- Cross-linking strategies for π-conjugated polymers in organic electronics 41
- Soft robotics: a futuristic extension of stretchable electronics technology 73
- Stretchable photodetectors and image sensors 105
- Engineering applications of materials and structures derived from stretchable electronics 135
- Stretchable electronics: the next generation of emerging applications 165
- Abbreviations 169
- Mathematical symbols 171
- Index 173
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Beyond Moore’s law to more than Moore in stretchable electronics 1
- Cross-linking strategies for π-conjugated polymers in organic electronics 41
- Soft robotics: a futuristic extension of stretchable electronics technology 73
- Stretchable photodetectors and image sensors 105
- Engineering applications of materials and structures derived from stretchable electronics 135
- Stretchable electronics: the next generation of emerging applications 165
- Abbreviations 169
- Mathematical symbols 171
- Index 173
