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Skin-inspired, sensory robots for electronic implants

Author

Listed:
  • Lin Zhang

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Sicheng Xing

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Haifeng Yin

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Hannah Weisbecker

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Hiep Thanh Tran

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Ziheng Guo

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Tianhong Han

    (North Carolina State University)

  • Yihang Wang

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Yihan Liu

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Yizhang Wu

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Wanrong Xie

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Chuqi Huang

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Wei Luo

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Michael Demaesschalck

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Collin McKinney

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Samuel Hankley

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Amber Huang

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Brynn Brusseau

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Jett Messenger

    (Purdue University)

  • Yici Zou

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Wubin Bai

    (University of North Carolina)

Abstract

Drawing inspiration from cohesive integration of skeletal muscles and sensory skins in vertebrate animals, we present a design strategy of soft robots, primarily consisting of an electronic skin (e-skin) and an artificial muscle. These robots integrate multifunctional sensing and on-demand actuation into a biocompatible platform using an in-situ solution-based method. They feature biomimetic designs that enable adaptive motions and stress-free contact with tissues, supported by a battery-free wireless module for untethered operation. Demonstrations range from a robotic cuff for detecting blood pressure, to a robotic gripper for tracking bladder volume, an ingestible robot for pH sensing and on-site drug delivery, and a robotic patch for quantifying cardiac function and delivering electrotherapy, highlighting the application versatilities and potentials of the bio-inspired soft robots. Our designs establish a universal strategy with a broad range of sensing and responsive materials, to form integrated soft robots for medical technology and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin Zhang & Sicheng Xing & Haifeng Yin & Hannah Weisbecker & Hiep Thanh Tran & Ziheng Guo & Tianhong Han & Yihang Wang & Yihan Liu & Yizhang Wu & Wanrong Xie & Chuqi Huang & Wei Luo & Michael Demaessc, 2024. "Skin-inspired, sensory robots for electronic implants," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48903-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48903-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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