A sense-drive-feedback integrated soft tactile actuator for bionic flytrap with high sensitivity, large deformation, and low-power consumption

Abstract

In recent years, soft actuators have attracted much attention due to their potential application in soft robots, artificial muscles, and human–machine interaction interfaces. However, it is still challenging to achieve intelligent integration of sensing and driving functions. Herein, inspired by natural flytrap, a novel soft intelligent actuator is developed based on sense-drive-feedback integration in response to pressure stimuli. The actuator is fabricated using MXene/CNT paper to construct sensing and driving modules. In terms of actuation, the Joule heating effect and heterogeneous composites endow the device with large deformation under low-power consumption. As for sensing, highly conductive MXene/CNT paper contributes to superior sensitivity over a large linear range. Thereon, a portable soft tactile actuator is constructed to grasp and manipulate objects based on manual operation. Moreover, a soft petal actuator that mimics the feeding action of flytrap was prepared to actively sense and grasp external objects, where its weight and size can also be reflected in real time. Furthermore, integration of the actuators with human hands can enable its real-time control via bending the fingers. Therefore, this study provides a significant paradigm to construct intelligent soft tactile actuators towards various practical applications.