Increasing the Dimensionality of Soft Microstructures through Injection‐Induced Self‐Folding
Abstract
Devices fabricated using soft materials have been a major research focus of late, capturing the attention of scientists and laypersons alike in a wide range of fields, from microfluidics to robotics. The functionality of such devices relies on their structural and material properties; thus, the fabrication method is of utmost importance. Here, multilayer soft lithography, precision laser micromachining, and folding to establish a new paradigm are combined for creating 3D soft microstructures and devices. Phase‐changing materials are exploited to transform actuators into structural elements, allowing 2D laminates to evolve into a third spatial dimension. To illustrate the capabilities of this new fabrication paradigm, the first “microfluidic origami for reconfigurable pneumatic/hydraulic” device is designed and manufactured: a 12‐layer soft robotic peacock spider with embedded microfluidic circuitry and actuatable features.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Aug 06, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1002/adma.201802739
Entities
People
- Michael Wehner
- Nicholas W. Bartlett
- Robert J Wood
- Sheila Russo
- Tommaso Ranzani
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Boston University
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Harvard University
- University of California, Santa Cruz