Dynamic, Environment-Adaptive Light-Triggered Actuators (DELTA)

The fast development of smart materials has endowed novel realizations of soft robots with bioinspired functions. The goal of the DELTA project is to build up a new materials platform that shows self-adaptation to different environments. We will incorporate various dynamic chemical bonds into light responsive polymers called liquid crystal elastomers. The unique interaction between supramolecules and a responsive polymer network can have a transformative impact on soft robotic materials. DELTA will produce robotic protypes, such as amphibious robots, a reconfigurable micro-gripper, and a cooperating robot team. For more details follow our website at https://research.tuni.fi/spm/