Geometrically Enabled Soft Electroactuators via Laser Cutting

Abstract

“Patterning the Motion” is achieved by lasing rationally selected 2D architectures in an electroactive polypyrrole composite film as described by Nan Hu, Liang Guo and co-workers, article number 1900664. Depending on the patterns chosen, the film's initial bending strain rapidly transforms into gripping, flapping, pulling or squeezing, with unprecedented consistency in structuring and performance. A broad path to engineerable soft electroactuators featuring geometrically-augmented robotic capabilities is now open.