Majing Huang

Bio: Majing Huang is an academic researcher from Hefei University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Smart film & Actuator. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 8 publications receiving 89 citations.

Light-Driven Self-Oscillating Actuators with Phototactic Locomotion Based on Black Phosphorus Heterostructure.

Abstract: Developing self-oscillating soft actuators that enable autonomous, continuous, and directional locomotion is significant in biomimetic soft robotics fields, but remains great challenging. Here, an untethered soft photoactuators based on covalently-bridged black phosphorus-carbon nanotubes heterostructure with self-oscillation and phototactic locomotion under constant light irradiation is designed. Owing to the good photothermal effect of black phosphorus heterostructure and thermal deformation of the actuator components, the new actuator assembled by heterostructured black phosphorus, polymer and paper produces light-driven reversible deformation with fast and large response. By using this actuator as mechanical power and designing a robot configuration with self-feedback loop to generate self-oscillation, an inchworm-like actuator that can crawl autonomously towards the light source is constructed. Moreover, due to the anisotropy and tailorability of the actuator, an artificial crab robot that can simulate the sideways locomotion of crabs and simultaneously change color under light irradiation is also realized.

A bioinspired multi-functional wearable sensor with an integrated light-induced actuator based on an asymmetric graphene composite film

Abstract: Designing smart materials which couple sensing and actuation similar to human skin is highly desirable in applications of smart wearable systems and biomimetic robots, but marginally explored. Here, we develop a smart graphene composite film with an asymmetric structure that presents both wearable sensing and actuation. This asymmetric graphene-coated paper-based composite film is fabricated by simply repeated immersion and drying, and a subsequent reduction method. It can be directly used as a resistance-type strain sensor for distinguishing the bending deformation direction with fast response (79 ms), which is mainly attributed to the asymmetric graphene distribution of the film on both sides. Diverse human body motions from large-scale motions to subtle tactile signals, including wrist bending in different directions, a pulse wave, and finger touching of objects can be detected by this sensor. Besides sensing, light-induced actuators with large deformation (0.29 cm−1 in 8 s) and color change and complicated biomimetic devices such as artificial flowers and crawling robots are constructed based on this smart film. More importantly, combined with sensing and actuation, multi-functional wearable sensors with light-driven deformation and color-change mimicking human skin are constructed, indicating the great potential of this integrated design of sensing and actuation for next-generation smart wearable systems.

Materials, Actuators, and Sensors for Soft Bioinspired Robots

Abstract: Biological systems can perform complex tasks with high compliance levels. This makes them a great source of inspiration for soft robotics. Indeed, the union of these fields has brought about bioinspired soft robotics, with hundreds of publications on novel research each year. This review aims to survey fundamental advances in bioinspired soft actuators and sensors with a focus on the progress between 2017 and 2020, providing a primer for the materials used in their design.

Recent Progress in Artificial Muscles for Interactive Soft Robotics.

Abstract: Artificial muscles are the core components of the smart and interactive soft robotic systems, providing the capabilities in shape morphing, manipulation, and mobility. Intense research efforts in the development of artificial muscles are based on the dielectric elastomer actuators, pneumatic actuators, electrochemical actuators, soft magnetic actuators, and stimulus responsive polymers. Recent progress has presented artificial muscles with impressive specific power output exceeding that of the natural muscles, dexterous shape morphing behavior that can be programmed and reconfigured, and exceptional high maneuverability to traverse surfaces with obstacles and different textures. Here, a succinct and critical summary is provided on the materials and strategies that have contributed to the important advancement of the artificial muscles in recent research. On that basis, the exciting opportunities are discussed in the integration of soft electronic devices with artificial muscles to enable smart and interactive soft robotic systems.

Light-driven bimorph soft actuators: design, fabrication, and properties

Abstract: Soft robots that can move like living organisms and adapt to their surroundings are currently in the limelight from fundamental studies to technological applications, due to their advances in material flexibility, human-friendly interaction, and biological adaptation that surpass conventional rigid machines. Light-fueled smart actuators based on responsive soft materials are considered to be one of the most promising candidates to promote the field of untethered soft robotics, thereby attracting considerable attention amongst materials scientists and microroboticists to investigate photomechanics, photoswitch, bioinspired design, and actuation realization. In this review, we discuss the recent state-of-the-art advances in light-driven bimorph soft actuators, with the focus on bilayer strategy, i.e., integration between photoactive and passive layers within a single material system. Bilayer structures can endow soft actuators with unprecedented features such as ultrasensitivity, programmability, superior compatibility, robustness, and sophistication in controllability. We begin with an explanation about the working principle of bimorph soft actuators and introduction of a synthesis pathway toward light-responsive materials for soft robotics. Then, photothermal and photochemical bimorph soft actuators are sequentially introduced, with an emphasis on the design strategy, actuation performance, underlying mechanism, and emerging applications. Finally, this review is concluded with a perspective on the existing challenges and future opportunities in this nascent research Frontier.

Becoming Sustainable, The New Frontier in Soft Robotics.

Abstract: The advancement of technology has a profound and far-reaching impact on the society, now penetrating all areas of life. From cradle to grave, one is supported by and depends on a wide range of electronic and robotic appliances, with an ever more intimate integration of the digital and biological spheres. These advances, however, often come at the price of negatively impacting our ecosystem, with growing demands on energy, contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution-from production to improper disposal. Mitigating these adverse effects is among the grand challenges of the society and at the forefront of materials research. The currently emerging forms of soft, biologically inspired electronics and robotics have the unique potential of becoming not only like their natural antitypes in performance and capabilities, but also in terms of their ecological footprint. This review outlines the rise of sustainable materials in soft and bioinspired robotics, targeting all robotic components from actuators to energy storage and electronics. The state-of-the-art in biobased robotics spans flourishing fields and applications ranging from microbots operating in vivo to biohybrid machines and fully biodegradable yet resilient actuators. These first steps initiate the evolution of robotics and guide them into a sustainable future.