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Self-vectoring electromagnetic soft robots with high operational dimensionality

Author

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  • Wenbo Li

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Tongji University)

  • Huyue Chen

    (University of Michigan–Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Zhiran Yi

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Fuyi Fang

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Xinyu Guo

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Zhiyuan Wu

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Qiuhua Gao

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Lei Shao

    (University of Michigan–Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Jian Xu

    (Tongji University)

  • Guang Meng

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Wenming Zhang

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Abstract

Soft robots capable of flexible deformations and agile locomotion similar to biological systems are highly desirable for promising applications, including safe human-robot interactions and biomedical engineering. Their achievable degree of freedom and motional deftness are limited by the actuation modes and controllable dimensions of constituent soft actuators. Here, we report self-vectoring electromagnetic soft robots (SESRs) to offer new operational dimensionality via actively and instantly adjusting and synthesizing the interior electromagnetic vectors (EVs) in every flux actuator sub-domain of the robots. As a result, we can achieve high-dimensional operation with fewer actuators and control signals than other actuation methods. We also demonstrate complex and rapid 3D shape morphing, bioinspired multimodal locomotion, as well as fast switches among different locomotion modes all in passive magnetic fields. The intrinsic fast (re)programmability of SESRs, along with the active and selective actuation through self-vectoring control, significantly increases the operational dimensionality and possibilities for soft robots.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenbo Li & Huyue Chen & Zhiran Yi & Fuyi Fang & Xinyu Guo & Zhiyuan Wu & Qiuhua Gao & Lei Shao & Jian Xu & Guang Meng & Wenming Zhang, 2023. "Self-vectoring electromagnetic soft robots with high operational dimensionality," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-35848-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35848-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ziheng Chen & Yibin Wang & Hui Chen & Junhui Law & Huayan Pu & Shaorong Xie & Feng Duan & Yu Sun & Na Liu & Jiangfan Yu, 2024. "A magnetic multi-layer soft robot for on-demand targeted adhesion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Yuanxi Zhang & Chengfeng Pan & Pengfei Liu & Lelun Peng & Zhouming Liu & Yuanyuan Li & Qingyuan Wang & Tong Wu & Zhe Li & Carmel Majidi & Lelun Jiang, 2023. "Coaxially printed magnetic mechanical electrical hybrid structures with actuation and sensing functionalities," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.

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