3D printing programmable liquid crystal elastomer soft pneumatic actuators
Wei Liao, Zhongqiang Yang
Abstract
A liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with a controlled alignment was applied to construct soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) by 3D printing the LCE on a rotator. Upon inflation, LCE-SPAs can perform complex motions and accomplish diverse tasks.
Topics & Concepts
ElastomerMaterials scienceActuatorSoft roboticsPneumatic actuator3D printingLiquid crystalComposite materialMechanical engineeringOptoelectronicsEngineeringElectrical engineeringSoft Robotics and ApplicationsMicro and Nano RoboticsAdvanced Materials and Mechanics