![]() ![]() ![]() Here, we describe the design and fabrication of an LCE-based tubular actuator with multiple actuation modes and controlled by the externally applied electrical potential of several volts (1.0 to 3.0 V). A few recent studies have successfully integrated stretchable resistive heaters into LCE ( 35– 37), whose actuation can then be easily controlled by electrical potential. However, for most practical applications, electronically powered actuators provide notable convenience for system control and integration. A variety of LCE-based actuating structures have been designed and successfully fabricated, which are often actuated by direct environmental heating ( 26, 27) or by light through photothermal and photochemical effects ( 28– 34). As the temperature increases, liquid crystal mesogens transition from the nematic phase to the isotropic phase, leading to a notable and macroscopic deformation in the material. S1 (A and B), has attracted much attention recently because of its unique properties, including large (~40%) and reversible actuation, high processability, and programmability ( 20– 25). Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), a thermally driven actuating material that combines polymer network and liquid crystal mesogens, as shown in fig. Using multiple tubular actuators, we build a multifunctional soft gripper and an untethered soft robot. Controlled by an externally applied electrical potential, the tubular actuator can exhibit multidirectional bending as well as large (~40%) homogenous contraction. Here, we design and construct soft tubular actuators using an emerging artificial muscle material that can be easily patterned with programmable strain: liquid crystal elastomer. Each of these actuation modes has limitations including complex fabrication, integration, and nonuniform strain. Most recently developed soft tubular actuators are driven by pneumatics, hydraulics, or tendons. The benefits of tubular actuators include (i) multiple actuation modes such as contraction, bending, and expansion (ii) facile fabrication from a planar sheet and (iii) a large interior space for accommodating additional components or for transporting fluids. Soft tubular actuators can be widely found both in nature and in engineering applications. ![]()
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