China3D printingNet, March 5, researchers at Yamagata University in Japan have developed a complete3D printingActuator, which can form the basis of a soft robot like a jellyfish.
Use UV-based3D printingThe team was able to solidify the newly synthesized particle double network (P-DN) hydrogel into a contraction mechanism similar to that of lunar jellyfish’s muscles. Based on their novel equipment, the scientists now intend to create an entire aquatic robot with potential marine wildlife monitoring applications.
A group of moon jellyfish.
Scientists discovered that their actuators contract in a manner similar to the muscles of lunar jellyfish. Picture from Kiara Sztankovics, Unsplash.
Ecological benefits of aquatic robots
The benefit of developing a soft robot that can mimic the behavior of its organic counterpart is not just in the value of novelty. Advanced equipment has the potential to work with humans and get into places where we can’t do it in disaster management, ocean protection, and even healthcare applications.
Such robots have special prospects underwater, where they can collect more information about the ocean and contribute to the further realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).One of the best ways to achieve this is to create soft materials that mimic the movement of natural animals, but so far, even3D printingAll of the octopus-style robots have metal bodies, which may cause them to cause damage to marine life.
Although many existing rover “legs” made of silicone rubber are used as power, hydrogels are a less invasive alternative because they are already composed of approximately 90% water. This composition is also similar to the composition naturally seen in jellyfish. Compared with other aquatic organisms, its operation requires much less energy, which may make them an ideal basis for ocean-friendly surveillance robots.
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Machine made five gel actuator prototypes” alt=” Japanese scientists use UV
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The machine has manufactured five gel actuator prototypes” width=”620″ height=”415″ />
Japanese scientists use UV 3D printingThe machine manufactured five gel actuator prototypes. Picture from ECS Solid State Science and Technology Journal.
Construct a new type of actuator
Started on the Yamagata team3D printingBefore its actuator, they synthesized a new type of cross-linked P-DN hydrogel, which is composed of a hard and brittle first polymer and a softer second layer. The material is characterized by high moisture content, enhanced strength and excellent printability, forming a solid and ductile foundation for their devices.
After preparing the formula, the scientists used UV-based3D printingThe machine aggregates it into three separate parts: connector, base and box. Theoretically, the “base” and “box” are designed to deform by injecting air to produce the contraction needed to provide propulsion, while the “connector” only fixes the silicone tube to the body of the actuator.
In order to test, the team3D printingFive different prototypes were found, and the elasticity of the gel was found to be closely related to the type of monomers used, and it reached the level of cross-linking. Similarly, the production width of the actuator is 0.4-0.5 mm, because the thicker layer will expand, resulting in inconsistent parts.
In the compression test, air was injected into the actuator through a pipe, and the scientists found that they could control its deformation by adjusting the elastic modulus of its component parts. The device also shows the same shrinkage rate as the oblate moon jellyfish, which may make it an ideal basis for a complete robot replica.
In the future, researchers believe that perfecting the relationship between the wall thickness of the actuator and its trajectory will be the key to the development of improved equipment iterations. Currently, the Yamagata team intends to integrate its actuator into a novel jellyfish-inspired robot, with the ultimate goal of using it in marine protection applications.
Soft robots inspired by animals
Although used for environmental monitoring3D printingRobotics is a pretty noble job, but it is by no means a novel robot, and several similar robots have been developed recently.
Scientists from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the U.S. Naval Research Office developed3D printingThe soft robotic jellyfish can monitor fragile coral reefs. The device consists of eight hydraulic actuators, which are specially designed to not damage the fragile biological ecosystem.
Similarly, a team at Harvard University created “Octobot” 3D printingAutonomous software robot. Like the Yamagata team’s actuator, Octobot is based on pneumatics, but instead of using oxygen, it converts a small amount of liquid fuel into gas to expand the arm like a balloon.
Soft robots also have important land-based surveillance applications, which Georgia Institute of Technology engineers have created3D printing“Slothbot” is used to care for wild animals at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The device moves along the cables between the trees to observe the temperature, weather and carbon dioxide levels of the habitat below.
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