Stretchable magnetic materials and devices for soft robotics

Abstract

Abstract A new generation of softer and more human-friendly robots are now in use in applications from agriculture to medicine, but integrating electrical sensing and actuation while maintaining stretchability and mechanical compliance has remained challenging. In this prospective, we review recent progress in using stretchable electromagnetic devices for soft robotic applications. Electromagnetic actuation is the most widely used actuation method for traditional robotics, but has remained less common in soft robotics due to the rigidity of many of the techniques used from thick copper coils to rigid and brittle magnetic materials. Electromagnetic coils used for inductors are also widely used in power systems and sensing. By shifting to novel materials and design approaches, from serpentines or liquid metal conductors to magnetic fluids and composites, stretchable electromagnetics with competitive performance have become increasingly feasible. Current applications of the electromagnetic devices in soft robotics from wireless power to actuation are then discussed concluding with future directions for the technology. Graphic abstract