Digital Actuation Control of Soft Robotic Origami With Self-Folding Liquid Crystal Elastomer Hinges

AFM Origami Cover

Description

Pictured is a robotic origami crane controlled by electrothermal actuation. In the research article (DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202525150), Glaucio H. Paulino, Emily C. Davidson, and co-workers used 3D printed liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) on flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) toward fully automated soft robotics. The autonomous approach involves a robust design-for-manufacturing pipeline that maximizes soft-robot manufacturability, as well as a repeatable, closed-loop, digital control for robotic actuation. Cover art by Audrey Zhang.

Movie #1 LCE Hinge Duty Cycle Testing

Movie #2 Self Folding LCE Robots