碾压传统驱动！非接触电场+纳米碳材料，e-MG解锁软体机器人无线可控变形新路径！

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development of a new type of responsive soft material called "electro-deformable gel" (e-MG) by a research team from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London, which enables wireless and controllable deformation of soft robots through non-contact electric field stimulation, addressing long-standing challenges in wireless drive and precise control of soft robots [1][10]. Group 1: Material and Mechanism - e-MG is composed of a soft elastic matrix, dielectric liquid, and nano-scale carbon materials, where the uniformly dispersed nano-carbon forms a conductive network that facilitates charge migration under an external electric field, crucial for efficient electromechanical conversion [3]. - The research team explored the impact of carbon content on the electrical and mechanical properties of e-MG, identifying optimal material ratios for achieving superior response performance [5]. - The driving mechanism involves the synergistic effect of dielectrophoretic and electrostatic forces under varying electric field conditions, providing a theoretical basis for precise control of deformation behavior [5]. Group 2: System Integration and Performance - The team optimized electrode arrangement and control logic, successfully demonstrating continuous movement, load transportation, and independent control of multiple units of e-MG robots in complex environments, indicating the technology's potential for practical applications [5][6]. - Unlike traditional electromagnetic drive systems that rely on bulky power supplies, e-MG requires only lightweight electrodes to create complex electric fields, significantly reducing system complexity and overall size [6]. - e-MG robots exhibited various biomimetic actions, such as inverted swinging like a gymnast and rapid grabbing like a frog's tongue, while maintaining stable movement across different terrains, showcasing potential applications in industrial inspection, biomedical fields, and space exploration [6][10]. Group 3: Experimental Validation - The research team conducted a series of experiments to validate the high-speed and high-force driving capabilities of e-MG under non-contact electric field stimulation [10]. - In material preparation, e-MG samples with varying carbon black content (0.01–2 wt.%) were created using silicone rubber, dielectric liquids, and nano-carbon black, with carbon black serving as a key component for charge migration [11]. - Performance tests revealed that the e-MG sample with 0.5 wt.% carbon black exhibited the best driving speed and force, with a deformation response speed approximately 27 times faster than samples without carbon black, while maintaining good cycling stability [13].