Xilong Zhang, Chang Liu, Rongyu Tang, Weichen Feng, Jingru Gao, Bingjie Wu, Zhongshan Deng, Jing Liu, Lei Li
Liquid metal (LM), an emerging functional material, plays increasing roles in biomedical and healthcare areas. It has particular values in neural interfaces as it combines high conductivity, flowability, and biocompatibility properties. Neuro-electrical interfaces (NEIs) are effective tools to provide a bridge between the nervous system and the outside world. The main target of developing neural interfaces is to help disabled people repair damaged nerves and enhance human capacity above normal ability. This article systematically summarizes LM-based neural interface technologies, including neural electrodes for electrical signal acquisition and administration of electrical stimulation and nerve guidance conduits for neural connectivity and functional reconstruction. The discussion begins with an overview of the fundamental properties associated with LM materials involved in the field of neural interface applications. The fabrication methods of LM-based neuro-electrodes and conduits are then introduced, and the current development status of LM-based neuro-electrodes and conduits is elaborated. Finally, the prospects and possible challenges of LM-based neural interfaces are outlined.
{"title":"Liquid metal neuro-electrical interface","authors":"Xilong Zhang, Chang Liu, Rongyu Tang, Weichen Feng, Jingru Gao, Bingjie Wu, Zhongshan Deng, Jing Liu, Lei Li","doi":"10.20517/ss.2023.58","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2023.58","url":null,"abstract":"Liquid metal (LM), an emerging functional material, plays increasing roles in biomedical and healthcare areas. It has particular values in neural interfaces as it combines high conductivity, flowability, and biocompatibility properties. Neuro-electrical interfaces (NEIs) are effective tools to provide a bridge between the nervous system and the outside world. The main target of developing neural interfaces is to help disabled people repair damaged nerves and enhance human capacity above normal ability. This article systematically summarizes LM-based neural interface technologies, including neural electrodes for electrical signal acquisition and administration of electrical stimulation and nerve guidance conduits for neural connectivity and functional reconstruction. The discussion begins with an overview of the fundamental properties associated with LM materials involved in the field of neural interface applications. The fabrication methods of LM-based neuro-electrodes and conduits are then introduced, and the current development status of LM-based neuro-electrodes and conduits is elaborated. Finally, the prospects and possible challenges of LM-based neural interfaces are outlined.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"79 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141359728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nora Asyikin Binti Zulkifli, Wooseong Jeong, Mijin Kim, Cheolgi Kim, Young Hwii Ko, Dong Choon Hyun, Sungwon Lee
The rapid development of point-of-care testing has made prompt diagnosis, monitoring and treatment possible for many patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. Currently, the biggest challenge is further optimizing testing devices to facilitate more functionalities with higher efficiency and performance, along with specificity toward patient needs. By understanding that patients with chronic respiratory diseases may have difficulty breathing within a normal range, a respiration sensor is developed focusing on sensitivities in the lower air pressure range. In contrast to the simpler airflow data, the sensor can provide respiratory air pressure as an output using a magnetic-based pressure sensor. This unconventional but highly reliable approach, combined with the rest of the simple 3D-printed design of the sensor, offers a wide range of tunability and functionalities. Due to the detachable components of the respiration sensor, the device can be easily transformed into other respiratory uses such as an inspiratory muscle training device or modified to cater for higher-ranged deep breathing. Therefore, not only does it reach very low air pressure measurement (0.1 cmH2O) for normal, tidal breathing, but the sensor can also be manipulated to detect high levels of air pressure (up to 35 cmH2O for exhalation and 45 cmH2O for inhalation). With its excellent sensitivities (0.0456 mV/cmH2O for inhalation, -0.0940 mV/cmH2O for exhalation), impressive distinction between inhalation and exhalation, and fully reproducible and convenient design, we believe that this respiration sensor will pave the way for developing multimodal and multifunctional respiration sensors within the biomedical field.
{"title":"3D-printed magnetic-based air pressure sensor for continuous respiration monitoring and breathing rehabilitation","authors":"Nora Asyikin Binti Zulkifli, Wooseong Jeong, Mijin Kim, Cheolgi Kim, Young Hwii Ko, Dong Choon Hyun, Sungwon Lee","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.11","url":null,"abstract":"The rapid development of point-of-care testing has made prompt diagnosis, monitoring and treatment possible for many patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. Currently, the biggest challenge is further optimizing testing devices to facilitate more functionalities with higher efficiency and performance, along with specificity toward patient needs. By understanding that patients with chronic respiratory diseases may have difficulty breathing within a normal range, a respiration sensor is developed focusing on sensitivities in the lower air pressure range. In contrast to the simpler airflow data, the sensor can provide respiratory air pressure as an output using a magnetic-based pressure sensor. This unconventional but highly reliable approach, combined with the rest of the simple 3D-printed design of the sensor, offers a wide range of tunability and functionalities. Due to the detachable components of the respiration sensor, the device can be easily transformed into other respiratory uses such as an inspiratory muscle training device or modified to cater for higher-ranged deep breathing. Therefore, not only does it reach very low air pressure measurement (0.1 cmH2O) for normal, tidal breathing, but the sensor can also be manipulated to detect high levels of air pressure (up to 35 cmH2O for exhalation and 45 cmH2O for inhalation). With its excellent sensitivities (0.0456 mV/cmH2O for inhalation, -0.0940 mV/cmH2O for exhalation), impressive distinction between inhalation and exhalation, and fully reproducible and convenient design, we believe that this respiration sensor will pave the way for developing multimodal and multifunctional respiration sensors within the biomedical field.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"9 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141099786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sweat contains diverse types of biomarkers that can mirror an individual’s health condition. The forefront research of sweat monitoring primarily focuses on sensing basic parameters, i.e., sweat rate and single electrolyte imbalances in controlled laboratory settings. However, recent works show the potential of sweat for the rich biomarkers in aspects of comprehensive health status display, timely safety alarming, and energy harvesting. The advances in wearable flexible electronics enable continuous, real-time, noninvasive detection of multiple sweat components, providing molecular-level insights into human physiology and psychology information; additionally, the efficient sweat extraction technologies of flexible electronics promote its application in energy harvesting, contributing to advancing a flexible sweat platform. This review comprehensively explores flexible sweat-based electronics, encompassing four key aspects: sweat sampling methods, sweat-based sensors, sweat-based energy harvesters, and sweat data display methods. Firstly, the traditional sweat-based platform is discussed in sweat sampling, sensing, and data analysis. Then, the development of wearable sweat sampling methods is discussed with a comparison of the traditional sweat collection methods. After that, the recent advances in sweat-based biosensors for monitoring diverse sweat analytes, such as the perspiration volume, glucose, lactate, and uric acid levels, are summarized. Subsequently, this review also highlights the recent progress and potential value of sweat-based energy harvesters in sweat-activated batteries and bio-fuel cells. Furthermore, multiple data display methods are proposed to achieve accurate feedback on health status, such as colorimetric techniques, light-emitting diodes, actuators, etc. Finally, this review concludes the main current challenges faced in practical applications of sweat-based bioelectronic systems and proposes a vision for the future evolution of this promising field.
{"title":"Recent advances of sweat sampling, sensing, energy-harvesting and data-display toward flexible sweat electronics","authors":"Guangyao Zhao, Zhiyuan Li, Xingcan Huang, Qiang Zhang, Yiming Liu, Xinge Yu","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.04","url":null,"abstract":"Sweat contains diverse types of biomarkers that can mirror an individual’s health condition. The forefront research of sweat monitoring primarily focuses on sensing basic parameters, i.e., sweat rate and single electrolyte imbalances in controlled laboratory settings. However, recent works show the potential of sweat for the rich biomarkers in aspects of comprehensive health status display, timely safety alarming, and energy harvesting. The advances in wearable flexible electronics enable continuous, real-time, noninvasive detection of multiple sweat components, providing molecular-level insights into human physiology and psychology information; additionally, the efficient sweat extraction technologies of flexible electronics promote its application in energy harvesting, contributing to advancing a flexible sweat platform. This review comprehensively explores flexible sweat-based electronics, encompassing four key aspects: sweat sampling methods, sweat-based sensors, sweat-based energy harvesters, and sweat data display methods. Firstly, the traditional sweat-based platform is discussed in sweat sampling, sensing, and data analysis. Then, the development of wearable sweat sampling methods is discussed with a comparison of the traditional sweat collection methods. After that, the recent advances in sweat-based biosensors for monitoring diverse sweat analytes, such as the perspiration volume, glucose, lactate, and uric acid levels, are summarized. Subsequently, this review also highlights the recent progress and potential value of sweat-based energy harvesters in sweat-activated batteries and bio-fuel cells. Furthermore, multiple data display methods are proposed to achieve accurate feedback on health status, such as colorimetric techniques, light-emitting diodes, actuators, etc. Finally, this review concludes the main current challenges faced in practical applications of sweat-based bioelectronic systems and proposes a vision for the future evolution of this promising field.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"84 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141123064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Recently, flexible/stretchable micro-scale light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with dimensions significantly smaller than conventional diodes used for illuminations, have emerged for promising applications in areas such as deformable displays, wearable devices for healthcare, etc . For such applications, these devices must have some unusual features that common inorganic LEDs do not intrinsically own, including conformability, biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, etc . This Perspective focuses on summarizing the most recent progress in developing such flexible emitters based on inorganic semiconductors, followed by reviewing their potential applications. Finally, major challenges and future research directions of deformable micro-scale LEDs are presented.
最近，尺寸明显小于传统照明用二极管的柔性/可伸缩微米级发光二极管（LED）在可变形显示器、医疗保健用可穿戴设备等领域出现了广阔的应用前景。为了实现这些应用，这些设备必须具备普通无机 LED 本身不具备的一些特殊功能，包括保形性、生物相容性、机械灵活性等。本视角重点总结了在开发基于无机半导体的柔性发光体方面取得的最新进展，然后回顾了它们的潜在应用。最后，介绍了可变形微尺度发光二极管面临的主要挑战和未来的研究方向。
{"title":"Shape-deformable Micro-LEDs for advanced displays and healthcare","authors":"Shenghan Zou, Yuzhi Li, Zheng Gong","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.13","url":null,"abstract":"Recently, flexible/stretchable micro-scale light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with dimensions significantly smaller than conventional diodes used for illuminations, have emerged for promising applications in areas such as deformable displays, wearable devices for healthcare, etc . For such applications, these devices must have some unusual features that common inorganic LEDs do not intrinsically own, including conformability, biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, etc . This Perspective focuses on summarizing the most recent progress in developing such flexible emitters based on inorganic semiconductors, followed by reviewing their potential applications. Finally, major challenges and future research directions of deformable micro-scale LEDs are presented.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"8 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140962949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The skin, a vital medium for human-environment communication, stands as an indispensable and pivotal element in the realms of both production and daily life. As the landscape of science and technology undergoes gradual evolution and the demand for seamless human-machine interfaces continues to surge, an escalating need emerges for a counterpart to our biological skin - electronic skins (e-skins). Achieving high-performance sensing capabilities comparable to our skin has consistently posed a formidable challenge. In this article, we systematically outline fundamental strategies enabling e-skins with capabilities including strain sensing, pressure sensing, shear sensing, temperature sensing, humidity sensing, and self-healing. Subsequently, complex e-skin systems and current major applications were briefly introduced. We conclude by envisioning the future trajectory, anticipating continued advancements and transformative innovations shaping the dynamic landscape of e-skin technology. This article provides a profound insight into the current state of e-skins, potentially inspiring scholars to explore new possibilities.
{"title":"Latest developments and trends in electronic skin devices","authors":"Pengyu Zhu, Zihan Li, Jinbo Pang, Peng He, Shuye Zhang","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.05","url":null,"abstract":"The skin, a vital medium for human-environment communication, stands as an indispensable and pivotal element in the realms of both production and daily life. As the landscape of science and technology undergoes gradual evolution and the demand for seamless human-machine interfaces continues to surge, an escalating need emerges for a counterpart to our biological skin - electronic skins (e-skins). Achieving high-performance sensing capabilities comparable to our skin has consistently posed a formidable challenge. In this article, we systematically outline fundamental strategies enabling e-skins with capabilities including strain sensing, pressure sensing, shear sensing, temperature sensing, humidity sensing, and self-healing. Subsequently, complex e-skin systems and current major applications were briefly introduced. We conclude by envisioning the future trajectory, anticipating continued advancements and transformative innovations shaping the dynamic landscape of e-skin technology. This article provides a profound insight into the current state of e-skins, potentially inspiring scholars to explore new possibilities.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"36 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140979165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
You-Jung Park, Young‐In Ryu, Myung-Kyun Choi, Kyung-Sub Kim, Seung-Kyun Kang
Biodegradable electronics have revolutionized the field of medical devices by offering inherent advantages such as natural disintegration after a useful functional period, thereby eliminating the need for removal surgery. This paradigm shift addresses challenges with long-term implantation, the risks of secondary surgeries, and potential complications, offering a safer and more patient-friendly approach to temporary implantable devices. This review delves into the dissolution kinetics of materials and strategies for lifetime control providing a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in biodegradable electronics. Understanding the kinetics is crucial for meeting the required functional lifetime for implantable medical applications, which varies based on application scope and target diseases. The dissolution kinetics of silicon and biodegradable metals form the core of the discussion, focusing on recent studies aimed at controlling the dissolution rate and enhancing properties. The exploration extends to ideas for accelerating material degradation or initiating on-demand degradation in biodegradable electronics after stable function. Additionally, the compilation of encapsulation layer materials and strategies enhances understanding of how to improve the stable operation time of devices. Emphasis is placed on efforts to adjust the lifetime of biodegradable electronics, particularly in medical applications.
{"title":"Controlling the lifetime of biodegradable electronics: from dissolution kinetics to trigger acceleration","authors":"You-Jung Park, Young‐In Ryu, Myung-Kyun Choi, Kyung-Sub Kim, Seung-Kyun Kang","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.06","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.06","url":null,"abstract":"Biodegradable electronics have revolutionized the field of medical devices by offering inherent advantages such as natural disintegration after a useful functional period, thereby eliminating the need for removal surgery. This paradigm shift addresses challenges with long-term implantation, the risks of secondary surgeries, and potential complications, offering a safer and more patient-friendly approach to temporary implantable devices. This review delves into the dissolution kinetics of materials and strategies for lifetime control providing a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in biodegradable electronics. Understanding the kinetics is crucial for meeting the required functional lifetime for implantable medical applications, which varies based on application scope and target diseases. The dissolution kinetics of silicon and biodegradable metals form the core of the discussion, focusing on recent studies aimed at controlling the dissolution rate and enhancing properties. The exploration extends to ideas for accelerating material degradation or initiating on-demand degradation in biodegradable electronics after stable function. Additionally, the compilation of encapsulation layer materials and strategies enhances understanding of how to improve the stable operation time of devices. Emphasis is placed on efforts to adjust the lifetime of biodegradable electronics, particularly in medical applications.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140667765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Han Hee Jung, Hyeokjun Lee, Junwoo Yea, Kyung-In Jang
This comprehensive review underscores the pivotal role wearable electrochemical sensors play in the proactive management and prevention of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications. Acknowledging the substantial impact of DM on individuals and the urgency for effective monitoring strategies, wearable sensors have emerged as a pragmatic solution. These sensors can detect analytical signals from biofluids, including sweat, tears, saliva, and interstitial fluid (ISF), employing minimally invasive techniques facilitated by technological advancements. The seamless integration of these sensors with computational platforms such as smartphones enhances their practicality for routine use. The review systematically explores diverse methodologies, encompassing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic principles, employed for the surveillance of analytes within biofluids. These foundational principles are meticulously applied to wearable devices, affording point-of-care solutions catering to the detection of individual analytes or simultaneous multiplexed analyte detection. The integration of wireless systems and the incorporation of machine learning algorithms introduce a layer of sophistication, elevating the capability of these sensors for the nuanced monitoring of DM and its complications. Through an in-depth analysis of these advancements, this review describes the significant potential of wearable electrochemical sensors as an essential tool for real-time monitoring and managing DM. The diverse approaches presented underscore the adaptability, versatility, and inherent efficacy of these sensors in addressing the multifaceted challenges intrinsic to DM and its associated complications within academic discourse.
{"title":"Wearable electrochemical sensors for real-time monitoring in diabetes mellitus and associated complications","authors":"Han Hee Jung, Hyeokjun Lee, Junwoo Yea, Kyung-In Jang","doi":"10.20517/ss.2024.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2024.02","url":null,"abstract":"This comprehensive review underscores the pivotal role wearable electrochemical sensors play in the proactive management and prevention of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications. Acknowledging the substantial impact of DM on individuals and the urgency for effective monitoring strategies, wearable sensors have emerged as a pragmatic solution. These sensors can detect analytical signals from biofluids, including sweat, tears, saliva, and interstitial fluid (ISF), employing minimally invasive techniques facilitated by technological advancements. The seamless integration of these sensors with computational platforms such as smartphones enhances their practicality for routine use. The review systematically explores diverse methodologies, encompassing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic principles, employed for the surveillance of analytes within biofluids. These foundational principles are meticulously applied to wearable devices, affording point-of-care solutions catering to the detection of individual analytes or simultaneous multiplexed analyte detection. The integration of wireless systems and the incorporation of machine learning algorithms introduce a layer of sophistication, elevating the capability of these sensors for the nuanced monitoring of DM and its complications. Through an in-depth analysis of these advancements, this review describes the significant potential of wearable electrochemical sensors as an essential tool for real-time monitoring and managing DM. The diverse approaches presented underscore the adaptability, versatility, and inherent efficacy of these sensors in addressing the multifaceted challenges intrinsic to DM and its associated complications within academic discourse.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"92 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140670347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marcos Villeda-Hernandez, Benjamin C. Baker, Christian Romero, Jonathan M. Rossiter, C. Faul
Soft robotics has emerged as a transformative field, leveraging bio-inspired novel actuation mechanisms to enable more adaptable, compliant, and sophisticated robotic systems. However, the portability of soft pneumatic actuators is typically constrained by the tethering to bulky power sources. This review offers a thorough analysis of autonomous power alternatives facilitated by chemical reactions for gas generation and absorption, a concept analogous to biological energy conversion processes. These bio-inspired strategies propel soft pneumatic actuators towards new horizons of autonomy and portability, essential for real-world applications. This comprehensive review explores the critical intersection of gas evolution reactions (GERs) and gas consumption reactions (GCRs) as a power source for pneumatic actuation in soft robotics. We here emphasize the importance and impact of bio-inspired design, control, efficiency, safety, and sustainability within soft robotics to not only mimic biological motions but to enhance them. This review explores the fundamentals of both pneumatic and chemically powered actuation, highlighting the need for careful consideration of reaction kinetics. Additionally, this work highlights key aspects of smart materials that draw from biological structures and response mechanisms, along with state-of-the-art techniques for precise pressure modulation. Finally, we chart prospective development pathways and provide a future outlook for bio-inspired soft robotics, emphasizing the transformative impact of integrating chemical actuation methods. This exploration underlines the quest for further autonomy in soft robotic systems and points towards the future opportunities in this exciting and fast-developing field.
{"title":"Soft alchemy: a comprehensive guide to chemical reactions for pneumatic soft actuation","authors":"Marcos Villeda-Hernandez, Benjamin C. Baker, Christian Romero, Jonathan M. Rossiter, C. Faul","doi":"10.20517/ss.2023.52","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2023.52","url":null,"abstract":"Soft robotics has emerged as a transformative field, leveraging bio-inspired novel actuation mechanisms to enable more adaptable, compliant, and sophisticated robotic systems. However, the portability of soft pneumatic actuators is typically constrained by the tethering to bulky power sources. This review offers a thorough analysis of autonomous power alternatives facilitated by chemical reactions for gas generation and absorption, a concept analogous to biological energy conversion processes. These bio-inspired strategies propel soft pneumatic actuators towards new horizons of autonomy and portability, essential for real-world applications. This comprehensive review explores the critical intersection of gas evolution reactions (GERs) and gas consumption reactions (GCRs) as a power source for pneumatic actuation in soft robotics. We here emphasize the importance and impact of bio-inspired design, control, efficiency, safety, and sustainability within soft robotics to not only mimic biological motions but to enhance them. This review explores the fundamentals of both pneumatic and chemically powered actuation, highlighting the need for careful consideration of reaction kinetics. Additionally, this work highlights key aspects of smart materials that draw from biological structures and response mechanisms, along with state-of-the-art techniques for precise pressure modulation. Finally, we chart prospective development pathways and provide a future outlook for bio-inspired soft robotics, emphasizing the transformative impact of integrating chemical actuation methods. This exploration underlines the quest for further autonomy in soft robotic systems and points towards the future opportunities in this exciting and fast-developing field.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"33 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140368312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabrielle Blewitt, D. Cheneler, Jeremy Andrew, Stephen Monk
In recent years, the development of worm-like robots has increased significantly. These robots use peristaltic motion comprised of radial expansion and axial elongation to move leglessly through their environments. Soft worm-like robots have the advantage of conforming to their environment, making them ideal for confined spaces such as pipelines which are essential to societal infrastructure. Pipeline contamination and corrosion can be detrimental and costly and thus regular checking is vital. Some pipes are difficult to access due to size, access restrictions and harmful waste contamination (such as in nuclear power plants). This has led to an increase of research into soft worm-like robots for pipe inspection. This review will analyse the recent progress in this area to assess current robotic capabilities and where work may be further needed to ensure they are applicable to real-world applications.
{"title":"A review of worm-like pipe inspection robots: research, trends and challenges","authors":"Gabrielle Blewitt, D. Cheneler, Jeremy Andrew, Stephen Monk","doi":"10.20517/ss.2023.49","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2023.49","url":null,"abstract":"In recent years, the development of worm-like robots has increased significantly. These robots use peristaltic motion comprised of radial expansion and axial elongation to move leglessly through their environments. Soft worm-like robots have the advantage of conforming to their environment, making them ideal for confined spaces such as pipelines which are essential to societal infrastructure. Pipeline contamination and corrosion can be detrimental and costly and thus regular checking is vital. Some pipes are difficult to access due to size, access restrictions and harmful waste contamination (such as in nuclear power plants). This has led to an increase of research into soft worm-like robots for pipe inspection. This review will analyse the recent progress in this area to assess current robotic capabilities and where work may be further needed to ensure they are applicable to real-world applications.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":" 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140382202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Recent advancements in materials and mechanics have paved the way for transforming rigid circuits into flexible electronics. Their ability to laminate onto the skin has led to the development of skin-interfaced electronics, including mechano-acoustic sensors and haptic systems. However, the challenges of the coupled mechanics between the skin and skin-interfaced electronics call for further understanding of biomechanics, bioelectronics, and their interactions. This perspective article highlights the emerging trend of employing computer vision methods to optimize the next generation of skin-interfaced electronics by characterizing associated biomechanics and vice versa. The cyclic research process involves the development of soft electronics, the identification of coupled mechanics, and their quantification using computer vision methods. The article describes state-of-the-art computer vision techniques in the context of skin-interfaced electronics and their potential applications in other forms of soft electronics.
{"title":"Coupled mechanics in skin-interfaced electronics via computer vision methods","authors":"Jin-Tae Kim, L. Chamorro","doi":"10.20517/ss.2023.50","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/ss.2023.50","url":null,"abstract":"Recent advancements in materials and mechanics have paved the way for transforming rigid circuits into flexible electronics. Their ability to laminate onto the skin has led to the development of skin-interfaced electronics, including mechano-acoustic sensors and haptic systems. However, the challenges of the coupled mechanics between the skin and skin-interfaced electronics call for further understanding of biomechanics, bioelectronics, and their interactions. This perspective article highlights the emerging trend of employing computer vision methods to optimize the next generation of skin-interfaced electronics by characterizing associated biomechanics and vice versa. The cyclic research process involves the development of soft electronics, the identification of coupled mechanics, and their quantification using computer vision methods. The article describes state-of-the-art computer vision techniques in the context of skin-interfaced electronics and their potential applications in other forms of soft electronics.","PeriodicalId":74837,"journal":{"name":"Soft science","volume":"38 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140443199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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