走迷宫、能融冰 微型多功能机器人在西工大诞生

Core Insights - The research team has made significant advancements in soft robotics by developing a multifunctional robot based on a new type of electroactive polymer, which is expected to meet the demands of complex structures and extreme cold environments [1][3] Group 1: Development of New Materials - The team has created a novel polyvinyl chloride-based electroactive polymer that features low voltage drive, high electro-adhesion, and controllable self-heating capabilities [2] - The introduction of ethylene acetate into the polyvinyl chloride gel effectively mitigates heating and electrical breakdown issues caused by plasticizer migration, while significantly enhancing the dielectric and mechanical properties of the material [2] - Compared to existing materials, the new polymer exhibits over a 50% reduction in heating, a lifespan extension of more than 15 times, a 1.75 times increase in output force, and a 2.15 times increase in electro-adhesion [2] Group 2: Robot Capabilities and Applications - The developed micro soft robot is capable of rapid crawling, self-heating in low-temperature environments, modular assembly, and collaborative operation [2] - The robot operates at a notably low voltage of only 72.5V, which is significantly lower than existing similar systems [2] - In extreme cold testing, the robot can perform self-heating, inspection, and ice melting tasks in environments as low as -50°C, showcasing its advantages in applications such as aircraft engine blade inspection and narrow gap detection [3]