Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chen Xin, Dongdong Jin, Yanlei Hu, Liang Yang, Rui Li, Li Wang, Zhongguo Ren, Dawei Wang, Shengyun Ji, Kai Hu, Deng Pan, Hao Wu, Wulin Zhu, Zuojun Shen, Yucai Wang, Jiawen Li, Li Zhang, Dong Wu, Jiaru Chu
Summary: The development of environmentally adaptive shape-morphing microrobots (SMMRs) with programmatically encoded expansion rates in pH-responsive hydrogel enables targeted microparticle delivery. Combining magnetic propulsion, a shape-morphing microcrab (SMMC) is capable of gripping, transporting, and releasing microparticles.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Haiwen Wu, Bayu Jayawardhana, Hector Garcia de Marina, Dabo Xu
Summary: This article addresses the problem of achieving and maintaining the 2-D/3-D formation shape of networked manipulator end effectors. A distributed formation controller with virtual springs and damping terms, as well as an extra integrator and adaptive estimator, is proposed to achieve the formation control objective.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATIC CONTROL
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Biomedical
Ruijie Tang, Jia Zheng, Shuangyi Wang
Summary: This study proposed two recyclable and cost-efficient end-effector designs that can passively regulate or actively sense the force exerted onto patients. One way is to increase the flexibility of the system by introducing passive compliant mechanisms with soft material, while the other way is utilizing a force-sensing gripper with embedded optoelectronic sensors to actively sense the force or torque.
2021 43RD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY SOCIETY (EMBC)
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Lisheng Kuang, Francesco Chinello, Paolo Robuffo Giordano, Maud Marchal, Claudio Pacchierotti
Summary: This paper presents a grounded encounter-type haptic device called the Haptic Mushroom, which has interchangeable end-effectors. The device is designed to support various end-effectors and is composed of a mechanism connecting a lower static platform to an upper moving platform. The paper describes the device, presents the kinematic characterization of the end-effectors, and includes a perceptual experiment evaluating one of the end-effectors' capabilities. A use case of the device as an interface for interactions with virtual objects is also presented.
2023 IEEE WORLD HAPTICS CONFERENCE, WHC
(2023)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Ceyhan Erdem, Yoann Eulalie, Philippe Gilotte, Stefan Harries, Christian N. Nayeri
Summary: The paper presents an aerodynamic optimization technique using a Kriging model to perform CFD simulations of different front air dam geometries below the front bumper of a reduced scale road vehicle. The optimization involves gradient-based methods and genetic algorithms on a surrogate model to achieve minimum drag coefficient values.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Yaozhen Hou, Huaping Wang, Rongxin Fu, Xian Wang, Jiangfan Yu, Shuailong Zhang, Qiang Huang, Yu Sun, Toshio Fukuda
Summary: Due to their small sizes, microrobots are advantageous for accessing hard-to-reach spaces for delivery and measurement. Microrobots actuated by external energy have been applied to the fields of physics, biology, medical science, and engineering. This paper reviews the recent advances in the design, actuation, and applications of microrobots driven by light and magnetic fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenqi Zhang, Peidong Chao, Donglei Chen, Zhan Yang, Lixin Dong
Summary: A hybrid core-shell structured nanowire is proposed for a long-term stable electron source based on an isolated platinum/multi-walled carbon nanotube (Pt/MWCNT). The hybrid nanowire is prepared by growing a Pt shell on a metallic MWCNT through a field-emission-induced deposition (FEID) method. It demonstrates good stability and tolerance to poor working conditions, with a lifetime hundreds of times longer than that of the pristine bare MWCNT.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chunyang Li, Lu Li, Fanqing Zhang, Zhongyi Li, Wenfu Zhu, Lixin Dong, Jing Zhao
Summary: In this paper, a high-performance FeFET based on monolayer MoS2 coupled with C60 doped ferroelectric copolymer P(VDF-TrFE) is proposed. The inserted C60 molecules enhance the alignment of dipoles effectively at low voltage, allowing the modified device to demonstrate large memory window, high current on/off ratio, long retention time, and remarkable endurance. In addition, in situ logic application can be realized by constructing facile device interconnection without building complex complementary semiconductor circuits. The results of this study are expected to pave the way for future low consumption computing-in-memory applications based on high-quality 2D FeFETs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaojian Hou, Kun Wang, Wenqi Zhang, Donglei Chen, Xiaokai Wang, Lu Fan, Chunyang Li, Jing Zhao, Lixin Dong
Summary: The current state-of-the-art in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization technology can manipulate specimens at the nanoscale and provide atom-level material attributes. However, there is a barrier between material attributes investigations and device-level application explorations due to immature in situ TEM manufacturing technology and sufficient external stimuli. This study proposes an in situ opto-electromechanical TEM characterization platform by integrating an ultra-flexible micro-cantilever chip with optical, mechanical, and electrical coupling fields. The platform enables static and dynamic in situ device-level TEM characterizations using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as the channel material. The experiments demonstrate electron-beam modulation behavior and bending of MoS2 nanodevices, revealing piezoresistive and opto-electromechanical coupling properties. Real-time atom-level characterization is achieved using this approach, providing a step towards advanced in situ device-level TEM characterization technology.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Yaozhen Hou, Huaping Wang, Shihao Zhong, Yukang Qiu, Qing Shi, Tao Sun, Qiang Huang, Toshio Fukuda
Summary: A 75-mu m helical drill-like microrobot with biodegradable materials was designed to reduce swimming drag force and dynamically adjust swimming step-out frequency, optimizing performance in high-viscosity fluids. Surface dimples were added to reduce motion resistance and a control strategy was implemented to switch rotating direction and frequency based on visual feedback from the environment. The dimpled microdrill showed significant improvements in step-out frequency and translational velocity compared to a nondimpled microdrill with the same architecture.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Zubair, Hailu Wang, Qixiao Zhao, Mengyang Kang, Mengjia Xia, Min Luo, Yi Dong, Shikun Duan, Fuxing Dai, Wenrui Wei, Yunhai Li, Jinjin Wang, Tangxin Li, Yongzheng Fang, Yufeng Liu, Runzhang Xie, Xiao Fu, Lixin Dong, Jinshui Miao
Summary: Photodetectors and imagers based on 2D layered materials have been developed, with the ability to tune band alignment and exhibit good photoresponse to a wide range of wavelengths.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fanqing Zhang, Chunyang Li, Zhongyi Li, Lixin Dong, Jing Zhao
Summary: Synapses are vital for neural signal transmission, and their plasticity allows the brain to learn from experience. The development of neuromorphic electronics has led to the design of electronic devices that mimic synapse operating modes, offering new possibilities for artificial intelligence hardware architectures. This review focuses on three-terminal artificial synapses based on 2D materials regulated by electrical, optical, and mechanical stimulation. The review also includes a systematic summary of artificial synapse applications in various sensory systems and outlines current challenges and future perspectives.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kun Wang, Chaojian Hou, Longqing Cong, Wenqi Zhang, Lu Fan, Xiaokai Wang, Lixin Dong
Summary: Expanding micro-/nanostructures into 3D ones not only boosts structural integration level and enhances device functionality, but also enables the development of parallel microrobots and adaptive 3D micro-antennas. This study proposes a synergetic 3D micro-/nanoshape transformation technique, rolling-up kirigami, combining kirigami and rolling-up techniques. The dynamic rolling-up process allows for mutual competition and cooperation among flabella, and the translated-rotated conversion offers a platform for developing tunable devices.
Article
Robotics
Zihou Wei, Xiao Yu, Shuibin Chen, Rong Cong, Huaping Wang, Qing Shi, Toshio Fukuda, Tao Sun
Summary: Microfluidic printing provides a new tool for the bulk assembly of artificial skeletal muscle structure. However, the poor controllability of microfiber deposition position hinders the realization of anisotropic assembly. In this study, a magnetically-assisted microfluidic printing system was developed to solve this problem. Magnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated in the microfibers, and a spiral magnet was used as the deposition substrate. The method demonstrated the novel micromanipulation strategy of magnetic attraction for stable deposition in a liquid environment and showed high biocompatibility for the fabrication of anisotropic skeletal muscle tissue.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Muhammad Zubair, Yi Dong, Bin Cai, Xiao Fu, Hailu Wang, Tangxin Li, Jinjin Wang, Shuning Liu, Mengjia Xia, Qixiao Zhao, Runzhang Xie, Hangyu Xu, Xiaoyong Jiang, Shuhong Hu, Bo Song, Xiaolong Chen, Jiadong Zhou, Lixin Dong, Jinshui Miao
Summary: This study reports nonvolatile floating gate photo-memory devices based on ReS2/h-BN/SnS2 van der Waals heterostructures, which exhibit a large memory window, a high program/erase current ratio, excellent retention characteristics, and the ability to achieve multi-bit information storage. Pulsed laser illumination allows for obtaining multiple photo-memory states. Additionally, a neuromorphic computing network is constructed based on these devices with high recognition accuracy. This work paves the way for miniaturization and high-density integration of future optoelectronics for neuromorphic hardware applications.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhongyi Li, Kun Wang, Chaojian Hou, Chunyang Li, Fanqing Zhang, Wu Ren, Lixin Dong, Jing Zhao
Summary: This article introduces a novel artificial intelligence (AI) microrobot that can respond to changes in the external environment without an onboard energy supply and transmit signals wirelessly in real time. It can enhance the local radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field and achieve a large penetration sensing depth and high spatial resolution. The research is of great significance for early disease discovery and accurate diagnosis, and has the potential for large-scale production of functional microrobots.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Wenqi Zhang, Donglei Chen, Chaojian Hou, Shuideng Wang, Kun Wang, Lixin Dong
Summary: A joint nanorobotic manipulation system connecting a scanning electron microscope and a spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope is proposed for nanofabrication and structure construction. Experimental results demonstrate the system's ultrahigh precision and cost efficiency, indicating a new trend for nanorobotic manipulation.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hailu Wang, Yi Dong, Xiao Fu, Xuezhi Zhao, Qixiao Zhao, Mengjia Xia, Mengyang Kang, Chaoyu Zhao, Zhihao Xu, Yicheng Zhu, Liang Gao, Jiang Tang, Lixin Dong, Jinshui Miao, Weida Hu
Summary: This research proposes a novel short-wave infrared photodetector utilizing solution-processed colloidal quantum dots as the absorber material, combined with zinc oxide and lead sulfide. The photodiode exhibits a broad short-circuit photocurrent response and high linear dynamic range, indicating its potential for large-scale fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Zejie Yu, Kun Wang, Chaojian Hou, Donglei Chen, Shuideng Wang, Wenqi Zhang, Zhi Qu, Xiaokai Wang, Lixin Dong
Summary: A memsensor, designed as a sensor with/in memory, can work in a passive mode, making it suitable for environments where a local/onboard power supply is not available. In this report, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) memsensors are integrated on microrobots for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection in a passive mode. The sensors have a crossbar configuration and are microfabricated with Au/MoS2/Au. The proposed calibration and sensing method show an acceptable resolution of 200 nmol/L to 2 mu mol/L.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ran Cai, Lixia Bao, Wenqi Zhang, Weiwei Xia, Chunhao Sun, Weikang Dong, Xiaoxue Chang, Ze Hua, Ruiwen Shao, Toshio Fukuda, Zhefei Sun, Haodong Liu, Qiaobao Zhang, Feng Xu, Lixin Dong
Summary: This study reveals, for the first time, the potassiation/depotassiation mechanisms of tetragonal FeSe nanoflakes in potassium-ion batteries through in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the intercalation behavior and structural evolutions differ among nanoflakes of different sizes. Small-sized nanoflakes exhibit better cycling performance with well-maintained structural integrity.