Photothermal and Magnetic Actuation of Multimodal PNIPAM Hydrogel-Based Soft Robots.

ABSTRACT: Soft robot motion performance has long been a core focus in scientific research. This study investigates the motion capabilities of soft robots constructed using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels, with key innovations in material design and functional enhancement. By optimizing the hydrogel formulation and incorporating molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) to endow it with photothermal response properties, the material achieves muscle-like controllable contraction and expansion deformation-a critical breakthrough in mimicking biological motion mechanics. Building on this material advancement, the research team developed a series of soft robotic prototypes to systematically explore the hydrogel's motion characteristics. A flytrap-inspired soft robot demonstrates rapid opening

SUBMITTER: Teng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12469388 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature