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Light-driven swimming actuators with different motion modes could lead to many previously unachievable applications. However, controllable navigation often requires focusing light precisely on certain positions of the actuator, which is unfavorable for accurate dynamical operation or in microscale applications. Here, we present a type of programmable swimming actuators that can execute wavelength-dependent multidirectional motions via the Marangoni effect. Several multi–degree of freedom swimming motions have been realized: Forward-and-backward and zigzag actuators can execute one-dimensional (1D) and 2D linear motion, respectively; bidirectional gear rotation as angular motion can be regulated to obtain tunable speeds; and the turning actuator as a “freighter” is able to turn left, right, and go straight for precise maze navigation. A mechanical measurement system is established to quantitatively measure the driving force of the motion directly. The accessible wavelength-selective strategy presented here can inspire further explorations of simple and practical light-driven materials and systems.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abh3051 | DOI Listing |
Acc Mater Res
August 2025
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.
The concept of micrometer-scale swimming robots, also known as microswimmers, navigating the human body to perform robotic tasks has captured the public imagination and inspired researchers through its numerous representations in popular media. This attention highlights the enormous interest in and potential of this technology for biomedical applications, such as cargo delivery, diagnostics, and minimally invasive surgery, as well as for applications in microfluidics and manufacturing. To achieve the collective behavior and control required for microswimmers to effectively perform such actions within complex, in vivo and microfluidic environments, they must meet a strict set of engineering criteria.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomimetics (Basel)
July 2025
School of Information and Communication Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
This paper presents a bionic dual-fin underwater robot, inspired by the ocean sunfish, that achieves multiple swimming motions using only two vertically arranged fins. This work demonstrates that a mechanically simple platform can execute complex 2-D and 3-D motions through advanced control strategies, eliminating the need for auxiliary actuators. We control the two fins independently so that they can perform cooperative actions in the water, enabling the robot to perform various motions, including high-speed cruising, agile turning, controlled descents, proactive ascents, and continuous spiraling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBioinspir Biomim
September 2025
Maritime Engineering Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
Jellyfish achieve efficient pulse jetting through large-amplitude, low-frequency deformations of a soft bell. This is made possible through large localised deformations at the bell margin. This paper develops a novel soft-robotic underwater pulse jetting method that harnesses the buckling of flexible tubes to generate thrust.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Appl Mater Interfaces
August 2025
School of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
Amphibious robots have immense potential for exploration in complex environments, but rigid and intricate structures limit adaptability and may cause mechanical disruption or ecological damage. This study presents a novel amphibious soft microrobot capable of seamlessly transitioning between land and water locomotion. We leverage the high power density and reversible actuation of 4D-printed liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) combined with flexible heating circuits to fabricate LCE amphibious actuators.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBioinspir Biomim
August 2025
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America.
Maneuvering in fish is complex and offers inspiration in the development of the next generation bio-inspired underwater vehicles (BUVs). Balancing desired functionality with minimal mechanical complexity is a challenge in developing a BUV. This study presents a single-actuator turning strategy for the Tunabot, a bio-inspired robotic fish, using asymmetric tail-beat timing to generate turning forces.
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