Yu Gao, Jing Li, Jie Deng, Shijing Zhang, Yingxiang Liu
{"title":"A Centimeter-Scale Quadruped Piezoelectric Robot with High Integration and Strong Robustness.","authors":"Yu Gao, Jing Li, Jie Deng, Shijing Zhang, Yingxiang Liu","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0340","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Centimeter-scale robots have unique advances such as small size, light weight, and flexible motions, which exhibit great application potential in many fields. Notably, high integration and robustness are 2 key factors determining the locomotion characteristics and practical applications. Here, we propose a novel centimeter-scale quadruped piezo robot. The robot's locomotion is generated by multi-dimensional vibration trajectories at the feet, which are produced through a novel built-in actuation method. The robot achieves high locomotion speed (47.38 body length per second), high carrying capability (28.96 times self-weight), and high-resolution motion (minimum step size of 0.33 μm). Benefiting from the built-in integration method, the robot realizes the built-in integration of actuation, control, communication, and power supply, enabling untethered movement and strong robustness. It has a low startup voltage (10 <i>V</i> <sub>0-p</sub>) and an endurance time of 32 min. Furthermore, after enduring 3 consecutive drops, 2 kicks, and being stepped on by an adult (over 3,500 times its own weight), the system remains functional and continues to move afterward. The robot utilizes modular expansion to achieve image sensing applications, including multi-object image capture and object detection. This work provides inspiration for the balance between high-integration design and robustness in centimeter-scale robots.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0340"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12282480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Epidural Electrical Stimulation for Functional Recovery in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.","authors":"Yihang Ren, Lifen Mo, Junlin Lu, Ping Zhu, Ming Yin, Wenqing Jia, Fengyan Liang, Xiaodi Han, Jizong Zhao","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0314","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0314","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) has emerged as a promising treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the therapeutic potential of EES in functional recovery following incomplete SCI remains limited, with few studies of a large sample size. This study included 11 patients who received EES combined with physical therapy (PT) and 10 who received only PT. Follow-ups were conducted pre-surgery, post-surgery, and at 19 to 25 months postoperatively. After the surgery, patients in the EES + PT group showed significant improvements in sensory function (<i>P</i> < 0.001) and muscle spasticity (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Long-term follow-up indicated that the EES + PT group had significant improvements in sensory function (<i>P</i> < 0.001), muscle spasticity (<i>P</i> < 0.01), and urinary function (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Among them, all 11 patients had improvements in sensory function and muscle spasticity, and 6 of 11 reported an improvement in urinary function. Moreover, of the 5 patients with neuropathic pain, 4 exhibited reduced pain scores. Compared with the PT-only group, the EES + PT group had significantly better recovery in sensory function (<i>P</i> < 0.01), muscle spasticity (<i>P</i> < 0.0001), muscle strength (<i>P</i> < 0.01), and bowel function (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Further analysis suggested that patients with less severe SCIs in the EES + PT group tend to achieve better functional recovery. With a relatively large sample size compared to those in previous studies, this study confirms the promising therapeutic effects of EES in SCI. EES combined with PT provides a potential approach for functional recovery in patients with incomplete SCI.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0314"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12280331/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessica F Liu, Jianping Xia, Joseph Rich, Shuaiguo Zhao, Kaichun Yang, Brandon Lu, Ying Chen, Tiffany Wen Ye, Tony Jun Huang
{"title":"An Acoustofluidic Device for Sample Preparation and Detection of Small Extracellular Vesicles.","authors":"Jessica F Liu, Jianping Xia, Joseph Rich, Shuaiguo Zhao, Kaichun Yang, Brandon Lu, Ying Chen, Tiffany Wen Ye, Tony Jun Huang","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0319","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as powerful vectors for liquid biopsy, offering a noninvasive window into the dynamic physiological and pathological states of the body. However, to fully leverage the clinical potential of sEV biomarkers, it is imperative to develop robust and efficient technologies for their isolation and analysis. In this study, we introduce a novel sharp-edge acoustofluidic platform designed for rapid and effective sample preparation, coupled with sensitive detection of specific sEV populations based on their surface markers. Our approach utilizes acoustically activated sharp-edge microstructures to concentrate bead-bound sEVs within the microfluidic device, facilitating immediate visualization by fluorescence microscopy. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate the capability of this portable acoustofluidic chip to selectively isolate and detect epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing vesicles, achieving nearly a 6-fold signal enhancement in EGFR-positive sEVs compared to EGFR-negative populations from sample volumes as small as 50 μl. This advancement not only underscores the potential of our platform for high-sensitivity biomarker detection but also paves the way for its application in isolating organ-specific sEVs. Such capability could be transformative for real-time monitoring of organ function and the simultaneous detection of multiple sEV markers, thereby broadening the scope of diagnostic precision and therapeutic decision-making in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0319"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12267987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mengshi Zhang, Yufan Zhang, Sihui Guo, Xiaoguang Li, Li Zhuo, Yuxue Ren, Wei Chen, Yili Feng, Ruowei Tang, Han Lv, Pengfei Zhao, Zhenchang Wang, Hongxia Yin
{"title":"Exploration of Automated Measurement for Ossicular Chains Based on 3-Dimensional Geometric Information.","authors":"Mengshi Zhang, Yufan Zhang, Sihui Guo, Xiaoguang Li, Li Zhuo, Yuxue Ren, Wei Chen, Yili Feng, Ruowei Tang, Han Lv, Pengfei Zhao, Zhenchang Wang, Hongxia Yin","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0305","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Abnormalities in the ossicular chain, a key middle-ear component that is crucial for sound transmission, can lead to conductive hearing loss; reconstruction offers an effective treatment. Accurate preoperative ossicular-chain measurements are essential for creating prostheses; however, current methods rely on cadaver studies or manual measurements from 2-dimensional images, which are time-intensive and laborious and depend heavily on radiologist expertise. To improve efficiency, we aimed to develop a systematic approach for automated ossicular-chain segmentation and measurement using ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT). One hundred forty patients (226 ears) with normal ear anatomy underwent U-HRCT. Twelve parameters were defined to measure ossicular-chain components. Automated measurements based on automated segmentation of 226 ear images were verified through manual measurements. We analyzed variations by ear side, sex, and age group. Stapes analysis was limited by segmentation accuracy. Complete segmentation of the malleus, incus, and stapes was achieved in 47 ears. Automated measurements of 8 parameters showed no significant differences compared to manual measurements in 47 cases. Significant sex-based differences emerged in all parameters except stapes footplate length, incudostapedial joint angle, and stapes volume (<i>P</i> = 0.205, <i>P</i> = 0.560, and <i>P</i> = 0.170, respectively). Notable side-specific differences were observed in female incus height and male malleus volume (<i>P</i> = 0.017 and <i>P</i> = 0.037, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in other parameters across different age groups, except for malleus and incus volumes (<i>P</i> = 0.015 and <i>P</i> = 0.031). The proposed algorithm effectively automated ossicular-chain segmentation and measurement, establishing a normative range for ossicular parameters and providing a valuable reference for detecting abnormalities.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0305"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12214297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiao Lu, Tianhong Wang, Songyi Zhong, Tianqi Cao, Chenghao Zhou, Long Li, Quan Zhang, Shiwei Tian, Tao Jin, Tao Yue, Shaorong Xie
{"title":"Self-Powered Multimodal Tactile Sensing Enabled by Hybrid Triboelectric and Magnetoelastic Mechanisms.","authors":"Xiao Lu, Tianhong Wang, Songyi Zhong, Tianqi Cao, Chenghao Zhou, Long Li, Quan Zhang, Shiwei Tian, Tao Jin, Tao Yue, Shaorong Xie","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0320","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0320","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Object property perception, as a core component of tactile sensing technology, faces severe challenges due to its inherent complexity and diversity, particularly under the constraints of decoupling difficulty and limited precision. Herein, this paper introduces an innovative approach to object property perception utilizing triboelectric-magnetoelastic sensing. This technology integrates triboelectricity and magnetoelasticity, achieving a self-powered sensing mechanism that requires no external power source for sensing signal generation. Moreover, by deploying a triboelectric array, it comprehensively captures multi-dimensional information of objects. Concurrently, in conjunction with magnetoelastic sensing technology, it provides stable and reliable mechanical information, ensuring that the system can accurately decouple key characteristics of objects, such as material properties, softness, and roughness, even in open environments where temperature, humidity, and mechanical conditions change in real time. Furthermore, by combining deep learning algorithms, it achieves exceptionally high recognition accuracy for object properties (material recognition accuracy: 99%, softness recognition accuracy: 100%, roughness recognition accuracy: 95%). Even in complex scenarios with intertwined multiple properties, the overall recognition accuracy remains consistently above 95%. The multimodal tactile sensing technology proposed in this paper provides robust technical support and theoretical foundation for the intelligent development of robots and the enhancement of real-time tactile perception capabilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0320"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12214300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adaptive Ferrofluidic Robotic System with Passive Component Activation Capabilities.","authors":"Qinkai Chen, Haozhe Feng, Xinjian Fan, Hui Xie, Lining Sun, Zhan Yang","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0300","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0300","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soft robots demonstrate remarkable potential in medical applications owing to their minimally invasive nature, exceptional controllability, and shape-adaptive capabilities. However, existing control systems primarily rely on a single permanent magnet or electromagnetic coil for actuation, resulting in limited robotic motion capabilities, weak electromagnetic field gradient forces, and bulky magnetic drive systems. These constraints substantially hinder the robot's flexibility and functional expandability. To address these constraints, this study proposes a highly integrated hybrid electromagnetic coil permanent magnet actuation system. This innovative design enables actuation force amplification and synergistic regulation of locomotion, deformation, and orientation. Experimental validation confirms the broad operational capacity of the miniature ferrofluidic robot (MFR), including controllable motion-deformation coupling within multiscale luminal structures and active directional control in biomimetic gastric models. Leveraging the MFR's robust deformation and locomotion abilities, the empowerment mechanism for passive structures significantly enhanced compatibility with mechanical systems. Based on this mechanism, we achieved the transportation of larger-mass simulated drug particles by empowering passive delivery systems. To further validate the functionality of MFR, we developed an MFR-based capsule that achieves precise temporal and spatial control of drug release through experiments involving magnetothermal effect-accelerated release of simulated drugs and selective occlusion in simulated blood vessels. These advancements markedly enhanced the application potential of microrobots in complex and confined clinical environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0300"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12187217/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144487331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing Attention Network Spatiotemporal Dynamics for Motor Rehabilitation in Parkinson's Disease.","authors":"Guangying Pei, Mengxuan Hu, Jian Ouyang, Zhaohui Jin, Kexin Wang, Detao Meng, Yixuan Wang, Keke Chen, Li Wang, Li-Zhi Cao, Shintaro Funahashi, Tianyi Yan, Boyan Fang","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0293","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optimizing resource allocation for Parkinson's disease (PD) motor rehabilitation necessitates identifying biomarkers of responsiveness and dynamic neuroplasticity signatures underlying efficacy. A cohort study of 52 early-stage PD patients undergoing 2-week multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation therapy (MIRT) was conducted, which stratified participants into responders and nonresponders. A multimodal analysis of resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) microstates and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) coactivation patterns was performed to characterize MIRT-induced spatiotemporal network reorganization. Responders demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in motor symptoms, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference threshold of 3.25 on the Unified PD Rating Scale part III, alongside significant reductions in bradykinesia and a significant enhancement in quality-of-life scores at the 3-month follow-up. Resting-state EEG in responders showed a significant attenuation in microstate C and a significant enhancement in microstate D occurrences, along with significantly increased transitions from microstate A/B to D, which significantly correlated with motor function, especially in bradykinesia gains. Concurrently, fMRI analyses identified a prolonged dwell time of the dorsal attention network coactivation/ventral attention network deactivation pattern, which was significantly inversely associated with microstate C occurrence and significantly linked to motor improvement. The identified brain spatiotemporal neural markers were validated using machine learning models to assess the efficacy of MIRT in motor rehabilitation for PD patients, achieving an average accuracy rate of 86%. These findings suggest that MIRT may facilitate a shift in neural networks from sensory processing to higher-order cognitive control, with the dynamic reallocation of attentional resources. This preliminary study validates the necessity of integrating cognitive-motor strategies for the motor rehabilitation of PD and identifies novel neural markers for assessing treatment efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0293"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12178139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wenwei Shao, Weiwei Meng, Jiachen Zuo, Xiaohong Li, Dong Ming
{"title":"Opportunities and Challenges of Brain-on-a-Chip Interfaces.","authors":"Wenwei Shao, Weiwei Meng, Jiachen Zuo, Xiaohong Li, Dong Ming","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0287","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The convergence of life sciences and information technology is driving a new wave of scientific and technological innovation, with brain-on-a-chip interfaces (BoCIs) emerging as a prominent area of focus in the brain-computer interface field. BoCIs aim to create an interactive bridge between lab-grown brains and the external environment, utilizing advanced encoding and decoding technologies alongside electrodes. Unlike classical brain-computer interfaces that rely on human or animal brains, BoCIs employ lab-grown brains, offering greater experimental controllability and scalability. Central to this innovation is the advancement of stem cell and microelectrode array technologies, which facilitate the development of neuro-electrode hybrid structures to ensure effective signal transmission in lab-grown brains. Furthermore, the evolution of BoCI systems depends on a range of stimulation strategies and novel decoding algorithms, including artificial-intelligence-driven methods, which has expanded BoCI applications to pattern recognition and robotic control. Biological neural networks inherently grant BoCI systems neuro-inspired computational properties-such as ultralow energy consumption and dynamic plasticity-that surpass those of conventional artificial intelligence. Functionally, BoCIs offer a novel framework for hybrid intelligence, merging the cognitive capabilities of biological systems (e.g., learning and memory) with the computational efficiency of machines. However, critical challenges span 4 domains: optimizing neural maturation and functional regionalization, engineering high-fidelity bioelectronic interfaces for robust signal transduction, enhancing adaptive neuroplasticity mechanisms in lab-grown brains, and achieving biophysically coherent integration with artificial intelligence architectures. Addressing these limitations could offer insights into emergent intelligence while enabling next-generation biocomputing solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0287"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12173028/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144318865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kefan Zhu, Chi Cong Nguyen, Bibhu Sharma, Phuoc Thien Phan, Trung Thien Hoang, James Davies, Adrienne Ji, Emanuele Nicotra, Jingjing Wan, Patrick Pruscino, Sumeet Walia, Tat Thang Vo-Doan, Soo Jay Phee, Shing Wong, Nigel H Lovell, Thanh Nho Do
{"title":"Development of a Bioinspired Soft Robotic System for Teleoperated Endoscopic Surgery.","authors":"Kefan Zhu, Chi Cong Nguyen, Bibhu Sharma, Phuoc Thien Phan, Trung Thien Hoang, James Davies, Adrienne Ji, Emanuele Nicotra, Jingjing Wan, Patrick Pruscino, Sumeet Walia, Tat Thang Vo-Doan, Soo Jay Phee, Shing Wong, Nigel H Lovell, Thanh Nho Do","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0289","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has emerged as a critical alternative to laparoscopic excisional surgery for the removal of early gastrointestinal tumors. However, current robotic systems for ESD face challenges with accessibility, dexterity, and precision in confined spaces due to limitations in actuation methods and mechanical design. To overcome these issues, a new motorless, master-slave soft robotic system using hydraulic actuation is introduced for ESD procedures. This system features dual soft robotic arms: one serves as an electrosurgical tool, and the other serves as a 3-jaw soft tubular grasper. Notably, the entire system is powered purely by hydraulic force, eliminating the need for DC motors or complex electronic controllers. Inspired by nature, the grasper ensures even force distribution and removes rotational motion, reducing the risk of iatrogenic injury. Its scalable design and compliant properties allow for effective tissue manipulation in tight spaces, with strong pulling forces generated by the embedded soft actuation network. In vitro and ex vivo experiments on fresh porcine tissues demonstrate the system's ability to grip and perform electrosurgical cutting on simulated lesions. This innovation has the potential to be applied in other areas of endoscopic surgery as well.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0289"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144287418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonathan Tirado, Aida Parvaresh, Burcu Seyidoğlu, Darryl A Bedford, Jonas Jørgensen, Ahmad Rafsanjani
{"title":"Multimodal Limbless Crawling Soft Robot with a Kirigami Skin.","authors":"Jonathan Tirado, Aida Parvaresh, Burcu Seyidoğlu, Darryl A Bedford, Jonas Jørgensen, Ahmad Rafsanjani","doi":"10.34133/cbsystems.0301","DOIUrl":"10.34133/cbsystems.0301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Limbless creatures can crawl on flat surfaces by deforming their bodies and interacting with asperities on the ground, offering a biological blueprint for designing efficient limbless robots. Inspired by this natural locomotion, we present a soft robot capable of navigating complex terrains using a combination of rectilinear motion and asymmetric steering gaits. The robot is made of a pair of antagonistic inflatable soft actuators covered with a flexible kirigami skin with asymmetric frictional properties. The robot's rectilinear locomotion is achieved through cyclic inflation of internal chambers with precise phase shifts, enabling forward progression. Steering is accomplished using an asymmetric gait, allowing for both in-place rotation and wide turns. To validate its mobility in obstacle-rich environments, we tested the robot in an arena with coarse substrates and multiple obstacles. Real-time feedback from onboard proximity sensors, integrated with a human-machine interface, allowed adaptive control to avoid collisions. This study highlights the potential of bioinspired soft robots for applications in confined or unstructured environments, such as search-and-rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and industrial inspections.</p>","PeriodicalId":72764,"journal":{"name":"Cyborg and bionic systems (Washington, D.C.)","volume":"6 ","pages":"0301"},"PeriodicalIF":10.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12147391/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144259455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}