Focused ultrasound enables selective actuation and Newton-level force output of untethered soft robots

Bo Hao, Xin Wang, Yue Dong (), Mengmeng Sun, Chen Xin, Haojin Yang, Yanfei Cao, Jiaqi Zhu, Xurui Liu, Chong Zhang, Lin Su, Bing Li () and Li Zhang ()
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Bo Hao: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Xin Wang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Yue Dong: Harbin Institute of Technology
Mengmeng Sun: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chen Xin: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Haojin Yang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Yanfei Cao: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Jiaqi Zhu: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Xurui Liu: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chong Zhang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Lin Su: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bing Li: Harbin Institute of Technology
Li Zhang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Untethered miniature soft robots have significant application potentials in biomedical and industrial fields due to their space accessibility and safe human interaction. However, the lack of selective and forceful actuation is still challenging in revolutionizing and unleashing their versatility. Here, we propose a focused ultrasound-controlled phase transition strategy for achieving millimeter-level spatially selective actuation and Newton-level force of soft robots, which harnesses ultrasound-induced heating to trigger the phase transition inside the robot, enabling powerful actuation through inflation. The millimeter-level spatial resolution empowers single robot to perform multiple tasks according to specific requirements. As a concept-of-demonstration, we designed soft robot for liquid cargo delivery and biopsy robot for tissue acquisition and patching. Additionally, an autonomous control system is integrated with ultrasound imaging to enable automatic acoustic field alignment and control. The proposed method advances the spatiotemporal response capability of untethered miniature soft robots, holding promise for broadening their versatility and adaptability.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49148-6

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