Open AccessAddressable Acoustic Actuation of 3D Printed Soft Robotic Microsystems
Author(s) -
Kaynak Murat,
Dirix Pietro,
Sakar Mahmut Selman
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202001120
Subject(s) - modular design , soft robotics , microsystem , computer science , process (computing) , microfluidics , multibody system , finite element method , design process , engineering design process , mechanical engineering , materials science , nanotechnology , actuator , engineering , artificial intelligence , work in process , operations management , physics , structural engineering , quantum mechanics , operating system
A design, manufacturing, and control methodology is presented for the transduction of ultrasound into frequency‐selective actuation of multibody hydrogel mechanical systems. The modular design of compliant mechanisms is compatible with direct laser writing and the multiple degrees of freedom actuation scheme does not require incorporation of any specific material such as air bubbles. These features pave the way for the development of active scaffolds and soft robotic microsystems from biomaterials with tailored performance and functionality. Finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics are used to quantitatively predict the performance of acoustically powered hydrogels immersed in fluid and guide the design process. The outcome is the remotely controlled operation of a repertoire of untethered biomanipulation tools including monolithic compound micromachinery with multiple pumps connected to various functional devices. The potential of the presented technology for minimally invasive diagnosis and targeted therapy is demonstrated by a soft microrobot that can on‐demand collect, encapsulate, and process microscopic samples.