Magnetorheological Fluid for Adaptive Soft Robotics

Lin Li, Yunquan Sun, Yi Gong, Qi Tong, Lizhe Qi

Abstract: Soft robotics, renowned for its robust adaptability to complex environments, holds great promise for a wide array of applications. Among the various actuation methods, magnetic fields stand out as particularly advantageous for soft robotics due to their ability to enable remote control and their biocompatibility. Current research in magnetic soft robots primarily centers on magnetic elastomers, which possess a certain load-bearing capacity and exhibit desired motions. However, these robots often lack the adaptability required to function effectively in diverse environments. Here we introduce an untethered Magnetorheological Fluid robot (MRF robot) that employs an innovative approach by encapsulating MRF within an elastic membrane. This design not only preserves the fluidity of the MRF, thereby ensuring environmental adaptability, but also provides the MRF robots with structural integrity when exposed to magnetic fields, thereby enhancing their load-bearing capabilities. The proposed MRF robot showcases its ability to navigate through narrow tunnels, manipulate and operate soft or complex objects. These results hold significant potential for inspiring versatile applications, such as the removal of foreign objects in biological systems via remote control, thereby potentially advancing medical procedures.