Bridging sensing and action: autonomous object sorting by reprogrammable liquid crystal elastomers
Montesino, Lorena ; López-Valdeolivas, María ; Martínez, Jesús I. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Sánchez-Somolinos, Carlos
Resumen: Achieving autonomy in soft robotics requires integrating sensing, planning, and actuation. Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are promising for this purpose due to their intrinsic sensory capabilities, adaptability and integrability. Nevertheless, self-regulated LCE systems typically rely on single-mode bending actuators with feedback-type mechanisms, where deformation gradually increases with stimulus intensity but only causes a functional transition beyond a critical activation point. This enables autonomous switching between non-functional and functional states, however, their behavior remains reactive, limiting their ability to perform complex adaptive tasks. Here, we present a reprogrammable LCE actuator capable of autonomously sorting objects based on their green-light transmission properties. Using perylene diimide-doped LCEs and controlled green-light illumination, the actuator senses the optical properties of the object, establishing an actuation plan through spatial radical generation. Subsequent far-red irradiation triggers different actuation modes, enabling selective object sorting. This pattern-encoded actuation allows objects with different optical characteristics to trigger specific mechanical responses under identical illumination conditions. This single-material system, which is optically resettable, integrates sensory feedback, deliberative decision-making, and adaptive mechanical responses. Surpassing the reactive nature of conventional self-regulated LCE systems, our approach advances LCE-based robotics toward greater autonomy, aligning with the sense-plan-act paradigm.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1039/d5mh00498e
Año: 2025
Publicado en: MATERIALS HORIZONS (2025), [13 pp.]
ISSN: 2051-6347
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/AEI PID2022-140923NB-C21
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E09-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E15-20R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E28-24
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/829010/EU/Advanced and versatile PRInting platform for the next generation of active Microfluidic dEvices/PRIME
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/CB06-01/00263
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2020-118485RB-I00
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Física Materia Condensada (Dpto. Física Materia Condensa.)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-10-17-14:20:32)
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Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1039/d5mh00498e
Año: 2025
Publicado en: MATERIALS HORIZONS (2025), [13 pp.]
ISSN: 2051-6347
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/AEI PID2022-140923NB-C21
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E09-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E15-20R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E28-24
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/829010/EU/Advanced and versatile PRInting platform for the next generation of active Microfluidic dEvices/PRIME
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/CB06-01/00263
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2020-118485RB-I00
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Física Materia Condensada (Dpto. Física Materia Condensa.)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes. Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-10-17-14:20:32)
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Record created 2025-06-12, last modified 2025-10-17