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Robotics industry

Breakthrough in Soft Robotics: Liquid Metal Actuators Exhibiting Enhanced Performance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Guangxi University have developed a liquid metal soft electromagnetic actuator (LM-SEMA) that showcases significant potential for advancing soft robotics applications. The novel design features a width-optimized rectangular spiral coil within a microchannel structure, allowing for efficient and flexible actuation. This breakthrough has been made possible through the optimization of the actuator's dimensions and analysis of its mechanical and electromagnetic characteristics through experiments and simulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The liquid metal soft electromagnetic actuator (LM-SEMA) achieves relatively high driving performance, generating a Lorentz force of 89 mN at a low current of 3.0 A through simulations.
  • The actuator can bend up to 110 degrees at a low current frequency of 3 Hz, demonstrating excellent long-term stability.
  • The designed actuator exhibits excellent long-term stability, remaining almost the same as its initial state after 1000 cycles.
  • The LM-SEMA has been integrated into a soft gripper that can grasp different objects and a soft bionic fish that can swim forward fast in the water.
  • The researchers have identified new ideas for improving the driving performance of the LM-SEMA, paving the way for more advanced and diversified soft robotic applications.

Statistics:

  • The actuator generates a Lorentz force of 89 mN at a low current of 3.0 A through simulations.
  • The actuator can bend up to 110 degrees at a low current frequency of 3 Hz.
  • The actuator remains stable after 1000 cycles.
  • The LM-SEMA has been successfully integrated into a soft gripper and a soft bionic fish.

Sources:

  • "Enhanced Actuation Performance In Liquid Metal Electromagnetic Actuators With Optimized Microchannel for Soft Robotic Applications," Sensors and Actuators A-physical, 2025;393.
  • Guangxi University
  • Open Foundation of the State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems
  • Base and Talent Special Project of Guangxi Science and Technology Plan Project
  • Youth Science Foundation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
  • Research Startup Funding under the Guangxi Young Talents General Support Policy

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