Edible, optically modulating, shape memory oleogel composites for sustainable soft robotics

Abstract

The increasing impact of technology disposal and e-waste on the environment has driven robotics scientists to develop more sustainable robots. Biodegradable and edible shape-memory polymer artificial muscles represent an important robotic component that enables environmentally modulated deformation and movement. The need for finer behavioral control of artificial muscles also requires proprioceptive functionality. Here we report the first edible shape-memory oleogel composites that monolithically couple shape-memory actuation and color-change sensing within one material. The shape recovery and color change capabilities were characterized and two sustainable soft robots, a robotic gripper and a biomimetic flower, were constructed to demonstrate their potential for the development of sustainable and edible robotics.

Keywords

• Shape memory oleogel composites
• Optical modulation
• Edible robotics
• Sustainable robotics
• Sensorized artificial muscle