A Mechatronics-Based Platform for In Situ Strain Measurement Through Mechanochromic Polymers

Abstract

Mechanochromic polymers are a new class of active materials, whose fluorescence emission is controlled by their mechanical deformation. In this paper, we present a mechatronics-based platform for fluorescence detection and on-site testing of mechanochromic polymers. We envision the use of this technology in the development of new sensing systems, with applications in soft robotics and environmental engineering.