Multi-link soft polymer micro-actuators and sensors

基于新型多连杆聚合物-离子复合材料智能机构的设计，提出了一种解决柔性微驱动器和微传感器问题的新途径。该研究计划将开发和研究新型的软微执行器和微传感器，这些微执行器和微传感器可以连接成复杂的形状，并可以检测复杂的变形，这是以前不切实际的特征。这项研究将使用最先进的聚合物弯曲致动器材料进行。自然界中的结构和机制，如节拍的纤毛和柔软的游泳生物，将为这项研究提供灵感。还将开发这些新的执行器/传感器的设计、建造、建模和控制技术。这项研究的应用包括芯片实验室的流体控制和激励机制、软导管和内窥镜以及软微型机器人机制。与理化学研究所的仿生控制研究中心、日本物理化学研究所和日本国家先进工业科学技术研究所的合作将带来更大的投入，这些机构在设计和开发新型聚合物离子传感器/执行器方面处于世界领先地位。

A new approach to the problem of soft micro-actuators and micro-sensors is proposed, based on the design of new multi-link polymer-ion composite smart mechanisms. The programme of research will develop and study novel soft micro-actuators and micro-sensors that can articulate into complex shapes and can detect complex deformations, features that have previously been impractical. This research will be carried out using state-of-the-art polymer bending actuator materials. Structures and mechanisms in nature, such as beating cilia and soft swimming organisms, will provide the inspiration for this research. Techniques for the design, construction, modelling and control of these new actuator/sensors will also be developed. Applications of this research include fluid control and motivating mechanisms for a lab-on-a-chip, soft catheters and endoscopes, and mechanisms for soft micro-robotics.Strong input will come from collaborations with the Bio-mimetic Control Research Center in RIKEN, the Japanese Institute for Physical and Chemical Research and the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, world leaders in the design and development of new polymer-ion sensor/actuators.