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Soft Actuators and Actuation: Design, Synthesis, and Applications
Summary
This review covers the design, synthesis, and applications of soft actuators made from hydrogel materials, which are used in robotics, artificial muscles, and biomedical devices. Researchers examined fabrication techniques including 3D printing and photolithography, as well as how these materials respond to environmental stimuli. While primarily a materials science review, it touches on the broader context of developing biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic-based components.
Soft actuators are one of the most promising technological advancements with potential solutions to diverse fields' day-to-day challenges. Soft actuators derived from hydrogel materials possess unique features such as flexibility, responsiveness to stimuli, and intricate deformations, making them ideal for soft robotics, artificial muscles, and biomedical applications. This review provides an overview of material composition and design techniques for hydrogel actuators, exploring 3D printing, photopolymerization, cross-linking, and microfabrication methods for improved actuation. It examines applications of hydrogel actuators in biomedical, soft robotics, bioinspired systems, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and environmental, and energy systems. Finally, it discusses challenges, opportunities, advancements, and regulatory aspects related to hydrogel actuators.
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