Biomimetic Actuators

Abstract

Biomimetic actuators are receiving growing attention due to the novel ideas inspired by mother nature. By mimicking the behaviors or traits of living creatures, scientists are able to realize various functions and properties that are difficult to achieve. An enormous number of applications in robotics, biomedicals, wearable devices, and autonomous smart systems are emerging and advancing thanks to the perpetual development of biomimetic actuators. With new breakthroughs and advancements in 3D printing, biomedical engineering and architecture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and brain machine interface, biomimetic actuators are now in a prosperous era. Chapter 1 gives a thorough introduction to biomimicry from the perspective of properties and functions as well as some discussion on biomimetic actuators in terms of the materials and working mechanisms. In Chapter 2, we developed a wireless swimming device with sensing capability. The swimming behavior was inspired by an octopus; it can swim slowly under normal conditions, but snaps quickly away to escape predators. Chapter 3 focuses on developing a touch-responsive actuator, mimicking the behavior of the shy plant, Mimosa Pudica. The actuator was able to close its “leaves” upon a fingertip touch. Chapter 4 focused on a porous magnetic hydrogel actuator capable of morphing in size as well as capturing and transporting cargo under the actuation of heat produced by magneto-thermo effect. In Chapter 5, a conclusion and future outlook are discussed. Finally, Appendix A, B, C, and D are included as supplementary information and some preliminary experiments during my Ph.D. program.