Transformable 3D curved high-density liquid metal coils – an integrated unit for general soft actuation, sensing and communication

Nan Li, Yingxin Zhou, Yuqing Li, Chunwei Li, Wentao Xiang, Xueqing Chen, Pan Zhang, Qi Zhang, Jun Su, Bohao Jin, Huize Song, Cai Cheng, Minghui Guo, Lei Wang () and Jing Liu ()
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Nan Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yingxin Zhou: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yuqing Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chunwei Li: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Wentao Xiang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xueqing Chen: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Pan Zhang: Tsinghua University
Qi Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jun Su: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Bohao Jin: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Huize Song: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Cai Cheng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Minghui Guo: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lei Wang: Beijing Forestry University
Jing Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Rigid solenoid coils have long been indispensable in modern intelligent devices. However, their sparse structure and challenging preparation of flexible coils for soft robots impose limitations. Here, a transformable 3D curved high-density liquid metal coil (HD-LMC) is introduced that surpasses the structural density level of enameled wire. The fabrication technique employed for high-density channels in elastomers is universally applicable. Such HD-LMCs demonstrated excellent performance in pressure, temperature, non-contact distance sensors, and near-field communication. Soft electromagnetic actuators thus achieved significantly improved the electromagnetic force and power density. Moreover, precise control of swinging tail motion enables a bionic pufferfish to swim. Finally, HD-LMC is further utilized to successfully implement a soft rotary robot with integrated sensing and actuation capabilities. This groundbreaking research provides a theoretical and experimental basis for expanding the applications of liquid metal-based multi-dimensional complex flexible electronics and is expected to be widely used in liquid metal-integrated robotic systems.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51648-4

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