{"title":"A shape-morphing actuator that locks","authors":"Katharina Zeissler","doi":"10.1038/s41928-025-01414-1","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>The researchers — who are based at Tsinghua University and Beihang University — combine a thermally controlled, continuously morphable actuator based on a liquid-crystal elastomer ribbon with a thermally controlled variable-stiffness shape-memory polymer. The temperature of the two active material layers is adjusted through a serpentine heating electrode layer and an airgap prevents thermal crosstalk between them. The actuator shape ranges from a planar configuration to an arch with a 340° bending angle, and it can be locked at any intermediate state.</p><p>Zhang and colleagues create various prototypes using a Lego-inspired design strategy and show morphable three-dimensional shapes with light-emitting diode arrays, a multimodal wheeled microrobot, and an untethered terrestrial–aerial microrobot that combines wheeled and quadcopter locomotion. The terrestrial–aerial microrobot has a size of 9 cm × 9 cm, weighs 25 g, and (in terrestrial mode) can achieve a speed of around 18 body lengths per second.</p>","PeriodicalId":19064,"journal":{"name":"Nature Electronics","volume":"58 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":40.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nature Electronics","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-025-01414-1","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The researchers — who are based at Tsinghua University and Beihang University — combine a thermally controlled, continuously morphable actuator based on a liquid-crystal elastomer ribbon with a thermally controlled variable-stiffness shape-memory polymer. The temperature of the two active material layers is adjusted through a serpentine heating electrode layer and an airgap prevents thermal crosstalk between them. The actuator shape ranges from a planar configuration to an arch with a 340° bending angle, and it can be locked at any intermediate state.
Zhang and colleagues create various prototypes using a Lego-inspired design strategy and show morphable three-dimensional shapes with light-emitting diode arrays, a multimodal wheeled microrobot, and an untethered terrestrial–aerial microrobot that combines wheeled and quadcopter locomotion. The terrestrial–aerial microrobot has a size of 9 cm × 9 cm, weighs 25 g, and (in terrestrial mode) can achieve a speed of around 18 body lengths per second.
期刊介绍：
Nature Electronics is a comprehensive journal that publishes both fundamental and applied research in the field of electronics. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the study of new phenomena and devices, the design and construction of electronic circuits, and the practical applications of electronics. In addition, the journal explores the commercial and industrial aspects of electronics research.
The primary focus of Nature Electronics is on the development of technology and its potential impact on society. The journal incorporates the contributions of scientists, engineers, and industry professionals, offering a platform for their research findings. Moreover, Nature Electronics provides insightful commentary, thorough reviews, and analysis of the key issues that shape the field, as well as the technologies that are reshaping society.
Like all journals within the prestigious Nature brand, Nature Electronics upholds the highest standards of quality. It maintains a dedicated team of professional editors and follows a fair and rigorous peer-review process. The journal also ensures impeccable copy-editing and production, enabling swift publication. Additionally, Nature Electronics prides itself on its editorial independence, ensuring unbiased and impartial reporting.
In summary, Nature Electronics is a leading journal that publishes cutting-edge research in electronics. With its multidisciplinary approach and commitment to excellence, the journal serves as a valuable resource for scientists, engineers, and industry professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of advancements in the field.
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