Article
Automation & Control Systems
Xiaolong Liu, Hui Liu, Jindong Tan
Summary: This article presents a numerical model for predicting actuation frequencies of SMA actuators, taking into consideration factors such as heat convection methods, bias loads, and Joule heating. Experimental verification demonstrates differences between predicted and measured frequencies, highlighting the impact of different bias loads on actuation frequency accuracy.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yibin Wang, Xingzhou Du, Huimin Zhang, Qian Zou, Junhui Law, Jiangfan Yu
Summary: To mimic the biomechanics of semiaquatic arthropods, researchers have developed mini jumping robots that can be deployed on the water surface, but very few of them possess controllability comparable to living systems. To address this issue, an insect-scale magnetoelastic robot has been designed with improved controllability, capable of generating controllable jumping motion by adjusting magnetic and elastic strain energy. Dynamic and kinematic models have been developed to predict the robot's jumping trajectories, allowing for precise control of its pose and motion during flight. The robot is also capable of adaptive amphibious locomotion and performing various tasks with integrated functional modules.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Queenlisajoan Olan'g, Hanmin Peng, Ting Mao
Summary: A small walking and jumping actuator with a composited structure has been proposed. It utilizes a polyvinyl chloride membrane and shape memory alloy springs to achieve various motion modes. Numerical analysis shows that the length of the elastic belts directly affects the motion parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the actuator achieves high jumping height and distance, along with significant rotating and linear speeds.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tonghui Tang, Kecai Xie, Chengyang Li, Shouyu Sun, Zhongjing Ren, Jianping Yuan, Peng Yan
Summary: This paper reports a novel SMA spring driven soft crawling robot with feet of constant curvature, which effectively alleviates the nonlinearity of the robotic reconstruction. An analytical static model for the step length of the robot's crawling gait was built based on 11 independent design parameters, and the influential significance of each parameter was studied. This work provides an efficient approach to the design, prediction, evaluation, and optimization of such soft crawling robots for diverse application surroundings.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Christopher Bishop, Matteo Russo, Xin Dong, Dragos Axinte
Summary: This article introduces a novel design and motion strategy for underactuated continuum robots (CRs). Shape memory alloy wires are used to control clutches that lock cables for section locking. The proposed design includes beaded cables for improved clutching strength. The prototype demonstrates a mean repeatability of 1.41mm, with section locking achieved in 1 s and section unlocking achieved in 5 s.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiangfeng Lu, Zicong Miao, Zihan Wang, Ying Liu, Dekuan Zhu, Jihong Yin, Fei Tang, Xiaohao Wang, Wenbo Ding, Min Zhang
Summary: A high-efficiency soft robot system driven by a triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed, which can convert mechanical energy into electricity for self-powering. The robot demonstrates autonomous movement, obstacle avoidance, and real-time video streaming capabilities.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Jie Pan, Jingjun Yu, Xu Pei
Summary: This study designs a soft finger without silicone gel based on pre bent SMA wire, which can be restored to its original shape by heating SMA wire. The finger has large bending amplitude, bending force, and response rate.
FRONTIERS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Wenqiang Huang, Wanfeng Shang, Yueheng Huang, Hongyu Long, Xinyu Wu
Summary: This study develops an insect-scale soft robot capable of fast directional locomotion using a spring-like body made of shape memory alloy wires. The soft composite acts as an actuator to imitate the longitudinal muscle, converting the contraction-stretch behavior of the embedded wires into bending-expanding deformation. By controlling the voltage frequency, different characteristics of the robot are achieved. Experimental results demonstrate that the soft robot can achieve fast movement and carry heavy loads.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Lidong Yang, Mengmeng Sun, Moqiu Zhang, Li Zhang
Summary: In this work, a soft ferrofluid robot (FR) is studied, which is controlled by dynamic magnetic fields to achieve rolling, wobbling, oscillating, and dragging motion modes. The aim is to provide more adaptable motion modes for the robot and reduce the complexity of the magnetic actuation system.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Vijay Choyal, Suhel Khan, Prabu S. S. Mani, I. A. Palani, Pushpendra Singh
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the actuation behavior of SMA-based adaptive composite structures and optimized the heating parameters. A maximum deflection of 14 mm was observed for the composite structure embedded with SMA wires.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lin Xu, Robert J. Wagner, Siyuan Liu, Qingrui He, Tao Li, Wenlong Pan, Yu Feng, Huanhuan Feng, Qingguang Meng, Xiang Zou, Yu Fu, Xingling Shi, Dongliang Zhao, Jianning Ding, Franck J. Vernerey
Summary: Soft, worm-like mag-bots, inspired by fly larvae, use shape memory alloy-induced actuation and surface pattern-induced anisotropic friction for locomotion. This untethered design can carry cargo up to three times its own weight with minimal speed reduction, making it suitable for controlled environments. These low-cost, small scale robots can be used in remote spaces for small objects handling or as components in more complex designs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ning Gong, Hu Jin, Shuaishuai Sun, Shixin Mao, Weihua Li, Shiwu Zhang
Summary: Soft grippers have advantages such as flexible deformation, compliant operation, and safe interaction with objects. Inspired by the extending and ladling motions of dog tongues, a bionic soft tongue with the capability of handling solid and liquid objects was designed, expanding the application range of soft grippers.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dinesh K. K. Patel, Xiaonan Huang, Yichi Luo, Mrunmayi Mungekar, M. Khalid Jawed, Lining Yao, Carmel Majidi
Summary: This study achieves multimodal locomotion of soft robots using highly compact and dynamic bistable soft actuators. These actuators can swiftly transform between two oppositely curved states and generate a force of 0.3 N. The consistency and robustness of the actuator response are experimentally validated. The compact and fast-responding properties of the soft bistable actuator allow it to be used as an artificial muscle for shape-reconfigurable soft robots capable of multiple modes of SMA-powered locomotion.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jonghyun Hwang, Wei Dawid Wang
Summary: This study presents a soft amphibious robot made of SMA-based soft actuators that imitates the terrestrial and subaqueous motion of crawling seals. The robot exhibits two gaits and can perform straight advance and turning motions in different environments.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Jaeyeon Jeong, Kyujin Hyeon, Jungwoo Han, Cheol Hoon Park, So-Young Ahn, Soo-Kyung Bok, Ki-Uk Kyung
Summary: This article proposes an artificial muscle based on shape memory alloy (SMA) with an active cooling system. It also introduces a soft wearable robot that uses multiple SMA muscles to assist wrist motion.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
Pancheng Zhu, Hanmin Peng, Linli Mao, Jun Tian
Summary: Modern advanced minimally invasive surgery has been widely used for significant gastrointestinal diseases, but some patients with specific conditions cannot be effectively treated. This study developed a piezoelectric single crystal ultrasonic transducer to promote drug release in the digestive tract, showing significant improvements in drug penetration in gastric mucosa during in vitro experiments. This technology has potential applications for targeted drug release in the gastrointestinal tract.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS FERROELECTRICS AND FREQUENCY CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Pancheng Zhu, Hanmin Peng, Gai Zhao, Ni Chen
Summary: The study found that PI composites have higher wear resistance, although they may reduce the driving frequency and vibrational amplitude of the actuator, but do not affect the motion principle. The use of demountable shoe soles made of PI composites improved the operational stability of the actuator by 46.8%, but at the cost of its velocity and load capacity.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Pancheng Zhu, Hanmin Peng
Summary: This study proposes a method to trigger the release of Nile Red from temperature-sensitive liposomes through ultrasound treatment, achieving a maximum release rate of 2.9x10(-3)mg/min in vitro. The method has the potential to enhance drug concentration in the gastrointestinal tract.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ying Wei, Xiaolong Lu, Hui Shen, Hanmin Peng, Ziyan Yuan, Xiasheng Guo, Wenjuan Liu
Summary: This study introduces a novel approach that integrates vision feedback control (VFC) into an acoustically-driven microrobotic platform to achieve autonomous target recognition and optimization of locomotion resolution. Through local enhanced acoustic streaming, microparticles can be transported along a given pathway. Vision feedback control automatically recognizes microparticle targets and drives them towards user-defined destinations.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolong Lu, Ying Wei, Huan Ou, Cong Zhao, Lukai Shi, Wenjuan Liu
Summary: This study introduces a strategy utilizing a needle-shaped hybrid sonoelectrode to disperse and aggregate microrobots, accelerating mass transfer and enhancing signal intensity, overcoming the limitations of current technologies in controlling release and enrichment of microrobots.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ziyan Chen, Huayi Wu, Shuang Zhao, Xiang Chen, Tianhong Wei, Hanmin Peng, Zeyu Chen
Summary: Microneedles are an innovative minimally invasive method for drug delivery, and researchers have proposed an integrated 3D-printed ultrasonic microneedle array device that enables fast and controllable drug delivery. The device significantly enhances drug delivery efficiency while reducing insertion force and tissue damage.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Queenlisajoan Olan'g, Hanmin Peng, Ting Mao
Summary: A small walking and jumping actuator with a composited structure has been proposed. It utilizes a polyvinyl chloride membrane and shape memory alloy springs to achieve various motion modes. Numerical analysis shows that the length of the elastic belts directly affects the motion parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that the actuator achieves high jumping height and distance, along with significant rotating and linear speeds.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Hao Wan, Hanmin Peng, Xiongfeng Tang, Wangyi Chen
Summary: This paper proposes a rotational motor based on piezoelectric stacks that works steadily in vacuum and micro-dust conditions, demonstrating its potential applications in the space environment.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Fenghua Shen, Hanmin Peng, Song Pan, Pancheng Zhu
Summary: In this study, a concave spherical ultrasonic phased array combined with nano drugs was used to reduce the degree of tendon adhesion, which holds great implications for rehabilitation treatment for postoperative patients.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Ying Wei, Xiaolong Lu, Huan Ou, Zhengyang Li, Yilin Liu, Jinhui Bao, Jun Yin, Wenjuan Liu
Summary: This article introduces an acoustically actuated micro-sonobot fabricated using PEDOT and SiO2 materials through electrochemical deposition. The micro-sonobot has a creative structure design and can move at an ultra-high speed. The resonant microbubble generated streaming propels the micro-sonobot at a maximum speed of 1800 times body length per second, making it a powerful tool for capturing and enriching nano-sized biological targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pancheng Zhu, Vasileios A. Papadimitriou, Jeanne E. van Dongen, Julia Cordeiro, Yannick Neeleman, Albert Santoso, Shuyi Chen, Jan C. T. Eijkel, Hanmin Peng, Loes I. Segerink, Alina Y. Rwei
Summary: Here, we introduce an aptamer-based biosensor for real-time optical detection of endotoxin. The sensor utilizes the scattering of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coupled to a gold nanofilm, which is controlled by the conformational changes of an endotoxin-specific aptamer. It can be used in ensemble mode with a microspectrometer or single-particle mode with a color camera, achieving high sensitivity and resolution. This platform has the potential to enhance endotoxin detection and ensure the safety of medical, food, and pharmaceutical products.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cong Zhao, Junlin Ma, Ying Wei, Yuyang Long, Huan Ou, Jinhui Bao, Jun Yin, Wenjuan Liu, Nan Zhu, Xiaolong Lu
Summary: This study presents a facile active mass transfer method using ultrasonic stimuli to enhance the sensitivity of screen-printed electrochemical sensors. An active electrochemical sensor composed of printable electrodes and piezo-electric elements is developed to perform both mass transfer and chemical detection functions. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed mass transfer function. The ultrasonic stimuli methodology in this work provides a promising solution for developing new active screen-printed sensors for sensitive detection in various applications.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolong Lu, Jinhui Bao, Ying Wei, Shuting Zhang, Wenjuan Liu, Jie Wu
Summary: To meet the increasing demands of point-of-care testing, cutting-edge techniques have emerged to upgrade portable biosensors with higher sensitivity and better intelligence. Microrobots, due to their controlled locomotion characteristics in micro/nano scale, can enhance biosensor sensitivity by actively enriching the samples during testing. They also offer functions such as on-demand delivery, transportation, and multi-objective detections. This review critically introduces five types of portable biosensors and their integration with microrobots, highlighting the role of microrobots in enhancing detection performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongting Ma, Chuanrui Chen, Jinhui Bao, Qian Zhao, Yu Jiang, Zhouxiaolong Zhang, Huannuo Tao, Yue Jiang, Xiaodong Geng, Xiaolong Lu, Nan Zhu
Summary: Understanding the speed of micromotors is essential for their practical applications. Current analysis methods rely on expensive optical microscopes, which are limited to laboratory settings. In this study, a lightweight, portable, and low-cost micromotor sensor was developed using water-sensitive materials. The sensor allows real-time monitoring of micromotor speed in various settings with high accuracy.
Proceedings Paper
Acoustics
Yu-qiu Zhang, Han-min Peng
Summary: The PVDF airflow sensor array proposed is based on wind cavity vibration principle enhancing the responding amplitude of the PVDF cantilever beam. With eight circumferentially arranged array units, it can accurately measure airflow velocity and direction within a certain range. Flow velocity error was under 2.3% and flow direction error less than 2.88% at a flow velocity of 5.32 m/s, indicating the sensor array's effectiveness in assisting actuators for escape movements.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2020 15TH SYMPOSIUM ON PIEZOELECTRCITY, ACOUSTIC WAVES AND DEVICE APPLICATIONS (SPAWDA)
(2021)
