Issue

Vol. 16 (2024)

Bioinspired Multifunctional Self-Sensing Actuated Gradient Hydrogel for Soft-Hard Robot Remote Interaction

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-023-01287-z
He Liu
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Haoxiang Chu
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Hailiang Yuan
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Deliang Li
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Weisi Deng
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Zhiwei Fu
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Ruonan Liu
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Yiying Liu
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Yixuan Han
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Yanpeng Wang
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Yue Zhao
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Xiaoyu Cui
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China
Ye Tian
College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110169, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Ye Tian

tianye@bmie.neu.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 16 (2024), Article Number: 69

Abstract

The development of bioinspired gradient hydrogels with self-sensing actuated capabilities for remote interaction with soft-hard robots remains a challenging endeavor. Here, we propose a novel multifunctional self-sensing actuated gradient hydrogel that combines ultrafast actuation and high sensitivity for remote interaction with robotic hand. The gradient network structure, achieved through a wettability difference method involving the rapid precipitation of MoO2 nanosheets, introduces hydrophilic disparities between two sides within hydrogel. This distinctive approach bestows the hydrogel with ultrafast thermo-responsive actuation (21° s−1) and enhanced photothermal efficiency (increase by 3.7 °C s−1 under 808 nm near-infrared). Moreover, the local cross-linking of sodium alginate with Ca2+ endows the hydrogel with programmable deformability and information display capabilities. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits high sensitivity (gauge factor 3.94 within a wide strain range of 600%), fast response times (140 ms) and good cycling stability. Leveraging these exceptional properties, we incorporate the hydrogel into various soft actuators, including soft gripper, artificial iris, and bioinspired jellyfish, as well as wearable electronics capable of precise human motion and physiological signal detection. Furthermore, through the synergistic combination of remarkable actuation and sensitivity, we realize a self-sensing touch bioinspired tongue. Notably, by employing quantitative analysis of actuation-sensing, we realize remote interaction between soft-hard robot via the Internet of Things. The multifunctional self-sensing actuated gradient hydrogel presented in this study provides a new insight for advanced somatosensory materials, self-feedback intelligent soft robots and human–machine interactions.


Highlights:
1 The bioinspired self-sensing actuated gradient hydrogel was developed by a wettability-based method via precipitation of MoO2 nanosheets.
2 Self-sensing actuated gradient hydrogel combined ultrafast thermo-responsive actuation (21° s–1), exceptional photothermal efficiency (3.7 °C s–1) and high sensing properties (GF = 3.94).
3 The first self-sensing remote interaction system based on gradient hydrogel actuators and robotic hands was constructed.

Keywords

Self-sensing Gradient structure Bioinspired actuator Hydrogel sensor Remote interaction
Liu, He, Haoxiang Chu, Hailiang Yuan, Deliang Li, Weisi Deng, Zhiwei Fu, Ruonan Liu, Yiying Liu, Yixuan Han, Yanpeng Wang, Yue Zhao, Xiaoyu Cui, and Ye Tian. 2024. “Bioinspired Multifunctional Self-Sensing Actuated Gradient Hydrogel for Soft-Hard Robot Remote Interaction”. Nano-Micro Letters 16 (January):69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-023-01287-z.
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