A light-driven artificial flytrap

Owies M. Wani, Hao Zeng () and Arri Priimagi ()
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Owies M. Wani: Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology
Hao Zeng: Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology
Arri Priimagi: Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract The sophistication, complexity and intelligence of biological systems is a continuous source of inspiration for mankind. Mimicking the natural intelligence to devise tiny systems that are capable of self-regulated, autonomous action to, for example, distinguish different targets, remains among the grand challenges in biomimetic micro-robotics. Herein, we demonstrate an autonomous soft device, a light-driven flytrap, that uses optical feedback to trigger photomechanical actuation. The design is based on light-responsive liquid-crystal elastomer, fabricated onto the tip of an optical fibre, which acts as a power source and serves as a contactless probe that senses the environment. Mimicking natural flytraps, this artificial flytrap is capable of autonomous closure and object recognition. It enables self-regulated actuation within the fibre-sized architecture, thus opening up avenues towards soft, autonomous small-scale devices.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15546

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