Strong‐Magnetic Flexible Composites for Magnetically Responsive Soft Robots

Abstract

Distinguished from traditional robots made of rigid materials, soft robots have great potential in fields such as human–robot interaction and biomedical applications due to their mechanical pliability. Soft actuators are one of the most important components in soft robotics systems and can be activated by external stimuli such as heat, light, humidity, electric fields, or magnetic fields. Among them, magnetically responsive soft actuators composed of strong magnetic composite can achieve multi‐degree‐of‐freedom wireless remote control and reversible driving action, which have considerable application potential. In this perspective, we first discuss the properties and actuation mechanisms of the strong‐magnetic flexible composites. Then, the preparation method of magnetic actuators by strong‐magnetic flexible composites are briefly introduced. Next, various applications of magnetically responsive soft actuators, such as grasping, walking, swimming, and sensing control, are highlighted. Finally, current opportunities and challenges for stimulus‐responsive soft robots are discussed. This review provides scientists with the latest technological advances and information needed to design and develop the next generation of soft bionic robotic systems, and further demonstrates the future applications of these robots are vast and promising.