Core Insights - The article discusses the development of a new type of soft robot that utilizes liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators for flexible and steerable movement in constrained environments, particularly in medical and industrial applications [2][3][4]. Group 1: Challenges and Innovations - Traditional continuum robots face challenges in maintaining low environmental interference and high adaptability in tight spaces, such as blood vessels, due to their reliance on rigid structures [1]. - Soft robots inspired by biological movements, particularly the everting robot design, reduce interaction with the environment, minimizing collisions and friction during movement [1]. Group 2: LCE Technology - LCEs combine liquid crystal elements with polymer networks, exhibiting significant temperature-responsive characteristics, allowing for reversible shape changes [3]. - The robot's skin is made from flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and incorporates LCE strips and conductive polymer heaters, enabling both protection and actuation [4]. Group 3: Control Mechanisms - The internal air pressure and LCE temperature are identified as key parameters for controlling the robot's bending angles, with pressure adjustments allowing for a bending angle range of 36° to 101° [5][8]. - A hybrid control strategy that adjusts both air pressure and temperature is proposed to enhance the robot's maneuverability and stability [9]. Group 4: Performance Testing - The research team tested prototypes with diameters of 3-7 mm, demonstrating that a 5 mm diameter robot could achieve bending angles exceeding 100° and navigate through narrow gaps effectively [10]. - The robot's performance in traversing a 2.5 mm gap and delivering a catheter in a complex aortic arch model showed a tenfold reduction in force applied to blood vessel walls compared to traditional catheters [12][15]. Group 5: Application Scenarios - The robot's flexible structure and precise steering capabilities have been validated in various scenarios, including industrial inspections and medical procedures, showcasing its potential advantages over traditional rigid instruments [11]. - In jet engine model inspections, the robot demonstrated enhanced coverage and flexibility, achieving a 60% improvement in detection capabilities compared to conventional endoscopes [16].