Advanced Actuators Research Articles

Unlocking Electrostrain in Plastically Deformed Barium Titanate.

Achieving substantial electrostrain alongside a large effective piezoelectric strain coefficient (d33*) in piezoelectric materials remains a formidable challenge for advanced actuator applications. Here, a straightforward approach to enhance these properties by strategically designing the domain structure and controlling the domain switching through the introduction of arrays of ordered {100}<100> dislocations is proposed. This dislocation engineering yields an intrinsic lock-in steady-state electrostrain of 0.69% at a low field of 10kVcm-1 without external stress and an output strain energy density of 5.24Jcm-3 in single-crystal BaTiO3, outperforming the benchmark piezoceramics and relaxor ferroelectric single-crystals. Additionally, applying a compression stress of 6MPa fully unlocks electrostrains exceeding 1%, yielding a remarkable d33* value over 10000pmV-1 and achieving a record-high strain energy density of 11.67Jcm-3. Optical and transmission electron microscopy, paired with laboratory and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, is employed to rationalize the observed electrostrain. Phase-field simulations further elucidate the impact of charged dislocations on domain nucleation and domain switching. These findings present an effective and sustainable strategy for developing high-performance, lead-free piezoelectric materials without the need for additional chemical elements, offering immense potential for actuator technologies.

Programmable light‐driven soft actuator enabled by structurally anisotropic liquid crystalline network

AbstractThe design and fabrication of advanced soft actuators with programmable actuation are highly desirable in constructing intelligent soft robots. In this work, a programmable light‐driven liquid crystalline network (LCN)‐based soft actuator was judiciously designed and prepared by constructing structural anisotropy across the thickness of the film. A three‐dimensional (3D) deformable LCN actuator was realized by polymerization‐induced phase separation of small‐molar‐weight monomers and polymer networks. The resultant anisotropic LCN displays anisotropic microscale nanoporous architecture across the thickness in addition to uniform alignment at the molecular scale. The actuation behaviors of LCN film are tunable by adjusting the size and distribution of nanopores in LCN bulk via changing polymerization conditions and monomer components. More importantly, the nanoporous LCN film can be harnessed as a promising template to achieve diverse light responsiveness by changing the photothermal dyes via a feasible washing and refilling process, demonstrating a reprogrammable light‐driven soft actuator.

Compact advanced pure tilt actuator for testing tilt-to-length coupling in space-based gravitational wave detection

Tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling, caused by the jitter of test masses or satellites, is a major noise source in space-based gravitational wave detection. Calibrating and suppressing TTL coupling noise at the sub-nanometer level is essential. A key challenge in current ground-based TTL coupling testing is the residual translational movement of the tilt actuator. This paper presents the development of a compact advanced pure tilt actuator (APTA) specifically designed for testing TTL coupling. The APTA enables precise tilt motion, monitored by a four-beam interferometer measuring the displacement of attached retroreflectors. Detailed theoretical models and experimental setups are given. Experimental results demonstrate that the APTA test bed can achieve sub-nanometer-level TTL coupling calibration. Additionally, a typical test-mass interferometer tested by the APTA test bed demonstrated that the imaging system effectively suppresses TTL coupling errors. The TTL coupling coefficients were reduced from over ±30 μm/rad to within ±5 μm/rad across a range of ±200 μrad. The APTA test bed offers a compact, high-precision solution for ground-based TTL coupling tests and has the potential for broader application in related experimental setups.

Sensor-Embedded Tissue Phantom for Magnetic Resonance Elastography Mechanical Failure Testing

Abstract Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique capable of quantifying the stiffness of in vivo tissue by applying and imaging shear waves produced by an MRE actuator. Poor image acquisition may result from the MRE procedure if there is insufficient contact between the MRE actuator and the patient. An experimental test setup outside of the clinic will aid in reducing the number of failed acquisitions by enabling the development of advanced actuators and actuator systems. This work presents the development and testing of a sensor-embedded tissue phantom setup paired with a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to automate the MRE actuator testing process. MRE actuation of soft tissue is simulated by utilizing a voice coil positioning stage that interfaces with a phantom. To capture the resulting vibrations, accelerometers are embedded inside the phantom. Subsequent characterization experiments verify the functionality of the developed phantoms to capture wave propagation. A secondary investigation was performed by utilizing the developed setup to collect acceleration measurements at varying contact distances. We provide an overview of feature analysis and selection to develop SVM models for contact detection. Multiple SVM models are reported, and the best-performing model displayed almost perfect validation (94.53%) and test (90.91%) accuracy. The pairing of sensor-embedded phantom with an SVM for detection demonstrates potential improvements to the MRE actuator developmental process by automatically assessing contact-related issues prior to clinical testing.

Spring toy-inspired soft robots with electrohydraulic actuators

Toys are useful resources for structural inspiration in science and engineering. Their fascinating structures provide new strategies for robotics, particularly in overcoming challenging obstacles and increasing adaptability to unstructured environments. Recent advances in actuators made of soft materials have enabled robots to exhibit safer and more adaptive behaviors during locomotion. However, it is still difficult to descend quickly without falling off at the drop point. In the same context, we recall playing with spring toys descending on stairs. In this paper, we introduce an electrohydraulic-based soft robot inspired by the structure of spring toys. The robot demonstrated a novel and previously unreported ability to descend a series of stairs. Specifically, the soft robot consisted of a helical structure and multiple electrohydraulic actuators. A helical structure was used to accommodate the expansion of the electrohydraulic actuators and to operate a wider range of bending motions. This design prevents unpredictable falls and achieves operation while maintaining a sufficient level of flexibility. We also experimentally investigated the actuation characteristics of the soft robot in terms of motion and force. Additionally, we demonstrated a soft gripper using the spring toy-inspired robot as another potential application.

Defect dipole stretching enables ultrahigh electrostrain.

Piezoelectric actuators have been extensively utilized as micro-displacement devices because of their advantages of large output displacement, high sensitivity, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Here, we propose a straightforward approach to design <110>-oriented defect dipoles by introducing A-site vacancies and oxygen vacancies in (K0.48Na0.52)0.99NbO2.995 ceramics. As a result, we achieve ultrahigh electrostrains of 0.7% at 20 kV cm-1 (with an effective piezoelectric strain coefficient d33* = 3500 pm V-1), outperforming the performance of existing piezoelectric ceramics at the same driving field. The exceptional electrostrain is primarily attributed to the large stretching of defect dipoles when subjected to an applied electric field, a phenomenon that has been experimentally confirmed. Moreover, the strong interaction between these defect dipoles and <110> spontaneous polarizations plays a critical role in minimizing hysteresis and ensuring excellent fatigue resistance. Our findings present a practical and effective strategy for developing high-performance piezoelectric materials tailored for advanced actuator applications.

Coupled magneto-mechanical response of laminate composites comprising a layer of Ni-Mn-Ga microparticles

Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs), exhibiting a giant magnetic field induced strain (MFIS), high work output and fast response, are highly promising materials for emerging technologies to be used in automotive, aerospace, and robotics industries, among others. Their magnetic-to-mechanical energy conversion ability is characterized by the coupled magneto-mechanical response they show when magnetic field and mechanical stress are simultaneously applied. In the present work we elaborated a series of laminated composites comprising a layered ensemble of single crystalline Ni-Mn-Ga microparticles built-in between Cu foils via small layers of silicone rubber. Such a simple and robust design enabled an in-depth study of the simultaneous influence of the magnetic field and compressive opposing stress on MFIS and the generated force of the particle layer driving out-of-plane magnetomechanical response of the laminate. Self-consistent parameters characterizing a magnetic field- and stress-induced martensitic variant reorientation in the particles were disclosed by the measurements and comprehensive analysis of both the magnetization curves under opposing constant stresses (complemented by tracking residual strains with X-ray µ-CT imaging) and compressive stress-strain dependences under transversal magnetic field. In particular, an accurate value of the magnetic-to-mechanical energy conversion coefficient, equal to Cme = (2.3 ± 0.13) MPa/T2, and the value of maximum magnetostress of about 2.3 MPa generated by microparticles were determined, in a good agreement with bulk Ni-Mn-Ga single crystals (SC). In contrast to bulk SC, particles are technologically and costly more efficient. They have much higher degree of freedom in terms of composites design allowing the development of advanced miniature actuators and sensors.

One-pot molten strategy to synthesize tough bio-derived lignin-based photothermal elastomers for photoelectric driven and programmable shape memory

Utilizing renewable biomass as an alternative to petroleum-based products for the development of smart materials emerges as a pivotal strategy for sustainable development. However, the straightforward, rapid, and cost-effective deployment of biomass for novel smart material synthesis remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we employ a facile solvent-free one-pot strategy to develop a multifunctional smart biomass photothermal elastomer, which synthesized from the natural small molecule of α-lipoic acid (LA) and renewable lignin biopolymer without any chemical modification. The incorporation of lignin confers to the obtained elastomers superior mechanical strength, photothermal responsiveness, photothermal self-healing, and adhesive capabilities. Notably, the photothermal elastomers can be fully recycled and reused by simple thermal remodeling. As a proof of concept, the temperature difference generator can be driven to generate electricity utilizing the excellent photothermal effect of elastomers, highlighting its excellent light-heat-electricity conversion capability. Intriguingly, the photothermal elastomers exhibit light-driven shape memory effect, enabling to grasp objects by shape-programmed four-arm soft gripper under selective irradiation. This pioneering work not only demonstrates significant progress in high-value utilization of bio-derived lignin, but also opens up a new avenue for sustainable and innovative applications in advanced energy management devices and soft actuators.

Dynamic modeling and analysis of viscoelastic hard-magnetic soft actuators with thermal effects

Hard-magnetic soft materials (HMSMs) are a class of magnetoactive smart polymers capable of sustaining a high residual magnetic flux density and can undergo large actuation strains under an external magnetic excitation. Due to these exceptional characteristics, soft actuators based on HMSMs hold enormous potential for remote-controlled applications. The temperature and viscoelasticity considerably influence the performance of these materials during the operation. This work aims to develop an analytical framework for modeling the dynamic behavior of a planar hard-magnetic soft actuators (HMSA) considering temperature and viscoelastic effects. The constitutive behavior of the viscoelastic HMSA is described by employing an incompressible neo-Hookean model in conjunction with a Zener rheological model and the Rayleigh dissipation function. The dynamic governing differential equations of motion are derived by utilizing the non-conservative form of the Euler–Lagrange equation. This study delves into the collective influence of temperature and viscoelastic properties on the stability, periodicity, and resonance characteristics of nonlinear vibrations exhibited by HMSM-based planar actuator subjected to dynamic magnetic loading, presenting the findings through time-history responses, Poincaré maps, and phase-plane plots. The presented results can help in the efficient and robust design of HMSM-based actuators and can also serve as an initial step toward the development of advanced actuators exposed to dynamic loading under variable temperatures for diverse applications in the fields of engineering and medicine.

Performance optimization and testing of a novel energy coupled actuated high-speed valve based on peak-and-hold driving strategy

High-speed on/off valve acts as critical enabling component of digital hydraulics, which has been challenging the traditional hydraulic system by providing efficient and effective hydraulic control solutions. The high-speed on/off valve that ideally fits the digital hydraulic system is expected to achieve fast response and long stroke with affordable energy consumption. This not only requires developing advanced actuation mechanism but also demands extensive study on the driving strategy. This study focuses on investigating the Peak-and-hold driving strategy applied to a novel high speed on/off valve-energy coupling actuated valve (ECAV), in order to achieve target performance with optimized energy consumptions. This work has developed an electro-mechanical coupled physics model based on commercial finite element solver COMSOL. This model helps to investigate the performance of ECAV under different peak-and-hold driving parameters and thereby recommend the optimal peak-and-hold driving strategy. Then, the experimental testing on the prototype ECAV has been conducted to validate the simulated performances. The measurement results showed that the prototype ECA using the optimal peak &amp; hold solution demonstrated significant advantage in energy saving targeting at response of 10 ms for 1.5 mm stroke, especially compared to a typical step input signal.

Robust Hydrogel Actuators Functioning in Multi-Environments Enabled by Thermo-Responsive Polymer Nanoparticle Coatings on Hydrogel Surfaces.

Hydrogel actuators with anisotropic structures exhibit reversible responsiveness upon the trigger of various external stimuli, rendering them promising for applications in many fields including artificial muscles and soft robotics. However, their effective operation across multiple environments remains a persistent challenge, even for widely studied thermo-responsive polymers like poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm). Current attempts to address this issue are hindered by complex synthetic procedures or specific substrates. This study introduces a straightforward methodology to grow a thin, dense PNIPAm nanoparticle layer on diverse hydrogel surfaces, creating a highly temperature-sensitive hydrogel actuator. This actuator demonstrates adaptability across various environments, including water, oil, and open air, owing to its distinct structure facilitating self-water circulation during actuation. The thin PNIPAm layer consists of interconnected PNIPAm nanoparticles synthesized via in situ interfacial precipitation polymerization, seamlessly bonded to the hydrogel substrate through an interfacial layer containing hybrid hydrogel/PNIPAm nanoparticles. This unique anisotropic structure ensures exceptional structural stability without interfacial delamination, even enduring harsh treatments such as freezing, ultrasonic irradiation, and prolonged water immersion. Remarkably, PNIPAm films on hydrogel surfaces which enable programmable 3D actuation can also be precisely patterned. This synthetic approach opens a novel pathway for fabricating advanced hydrogel actuators with broad-ranging applications.

Combination of Advanced Actuator Line/Disk Model and High-Order Unstructured Finite Volume Solver for Helicopter Rotors

In the research field of rotorcraft aerodynamics, there are two fundamental challenges: resolving the complex vortex structures in rotor wakes and representing the moving rotor blades in the ambient airflow. In this paper, we address the first challenge by utilizing a third-order unstructured finite volume solver, which exhibits lower numerical dissipation than its second-order counterpart. This allows for sufficient resolution of small vortex structures on relatively coarse meshes. With this flow solver, the second challenge is addressed by modeling each rotor as an actuator disk (i.e., the actuator disk model (ADM)) or modeling each blade as an actuator line (i.e., the actuator line model (ALM)). Both of the two models are equipped with an improved tip loss correction, which is introduced in detail in the methodology section. In the section of numerical experiments, the numerical convergence properties of the two types of solvers have been compared in the case of two-dimensional infinite wing. In addition, the relationship between the ALM and the lifting line theory is discussed in the cases of fixed-wing calculations. Another goal of these cases is to validate the tip loss correction presented. The validation of the ALM/ADM and comparisons of computational efficiency are also demonstrated in simulations involving both hover and forward flight rotors. It was found that the combination of the third-order finite volume solver and the ALM/ADM with the improved tip loss correction presents an efficient way of performing the aerodynamic analysis of rotor-induced downwash flow.

Reprogrammable Multi‐Responsiveness of Regenerated Silk for Versatile Soft Actuators

AbstractDeveloping stimulus‐responsive materials (SRMs) with reversible, large, and reprogrammable multi‐responsiveness is crucial for soft actuators and intelligent devices, which remains challenging. In this study, regenerated silk fibroin with hierarchical structure is utilized to specially design a reprogrammable multi‐stimuli‐responsive protein film and versatile soft actuators. The freestanding fibroin films exhibit notable thermal contraction (−1383 ppm K−1) and humidity‐responsiveness that can be repeatedly regulated by easy post‐treatment with Ca2+ as desired. The actuating and regulating mechanisms involve reversible conformational change that is magnified into macroscopic deformations by hierarchical structure, and the roles of material structure and ambient conditions in determining actuating performances are analyzed based on thermodynamics. Driven by humidity gradient, the fibroin film demonstrates spontaneous flipping locomotion, self‐oscillation with tunable frequencies, bio‐butterfly wing flapping, and transformation from 2D to 3D structure. Moreover, reprogrammable deformations at specific regions are achieved in multi‐stimuli‐driven PET/fibroin film actuators owing to the straightforward Ca2+‐content‐based tunability of the responsiveness. The fibroin‐based actuators can be used as artificial muscles to drive the high‐frequency wing‐flapping of a bio‐dragonfly and soft gripper to grasp, lift, and transfer objects. The simple yet effective strategy presented herein provides valuable inspiration for designing advanced SRMs and soft actuators with reprogrammable multi‐responsiveness.

All-optical driven soft crawler with complex motion capabilities

ABSTRACT The emergence of millimeter-scale soft actuators has significantly expanded the potential applications in areas such as search and rescue, drug delivery, and human assistance, due to their high flexibility. Despite these advancements, achieving precise control over the intricate movements of soft crawlers poses a significant challenge. In this study, we have developed an all-optical approach that enables manipulation of propulsive forces by simultaneously modifying the magnitude and direction of friction forces, thereby enabling complex motions of soft actuators. Importantly, the approach is not constrained by specific actuator shapes, and theoretically, any elongated photothermal actuator can be employed. The actuator was designed with an isosceles trapezoid shape, featuring a top width of 2 mm, a bottom width of 4 mm, and a length of 8 mm. Through our manipulation approach, we showcase a proof-of-concept for complex soft robotic motions, including crawling (achieving speeds of up to 2.25 body lengths per minute), turning, avoiding obstacles, handling and transferring objects approximately twice its own weight, and navigating narrow spaces along programmed paths. Our results showcase this all-optical manipulation approach as a promising, yet unexplored tool for the precision and wireless control for the development of advanced soft actuators.

An enhanced strain response in micrometer-thick BNT-ST thin films

Lead-free Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-SrTiO3 (BNT-ST) thin films with various thicknesses were deposited on the Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates employing a sol-gel technique with a two-step annealing process. Despite the variations in thickness, the films exhibited a consistent polycrystalline structure, evidenced by identical diffraction peaks, albeit with differences in intensity. An imprint became evident in micro-thick films, increasing with film thickness. Also, the emergence of self-polarization was observed in thicker films detected by piezoresponse force microscopy. Noteworthy is the pronounced influence of film thickness on strain response, with the 1.38 μm-thick films demonstrating a large strain of 1.18%. The outstanding strain response can be attributed to the notable contribution of electric field-induced phase transition and polarization dynamics. This work provides a promising potential application of micrometer-thick BNT-ST thin films in advanced actuator devices.

Spatial Photo-Patterning of Nematic Liquid Crystal Pretilt and its Application in Fabricating Flat Gradient-Index Lenses.

Liquid crystals offer a dynamic platform for developing advanced photonics and soft actuation systems due to their unique and facile tunability and reconfigurability. Achieving precise spatial patterning of the liquid crystal alignment is critical to developing electro-optical devices, programmable origami, directed colloidal assembly, and controlling active matter. Here, a simple method is demonstrated to achieve continuous 3D control of the directions of liquid crystal mesogens using a two-step photo-exposure process. In the first step, polarized light sets the orientation in the plane of confining substrates; the second step uses unpolarized light of a prescribed dose to set the out-of-plane orientation. The method enables smoothly varying orientational patterns with sub-micrometer precision. As a demonstration, the setup is used to create gradient-index lenses with parabolic refractive index profiles that remain stable without external electric fields. The lenses' focal length and sensitivity to light polarization are characterized through experimental and numerical methods. The findings pave the way for developing next-generation photonic devices and actuated materials, with potential applications in molecular self-assembly, re-configurable optics, and responsivematter.

A comprehensive review of embedded systems in autonomous vehicles: Trends, challenges, and future directions

The integration of embedded systems in autonomous vehicles represents a transformative paradigm shift in the automotive industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for enhanced safety, efficiency, and user experience. This comprehensive review explores the current landscape of embedded systems in autonomous vehicles, delving into emerging trends, persistent challenges, and future directions that shape the trajectory of this rapidly evolving field. The review begins by examining the foundational concepts of embedded systems in the context of autonomous vehicles, elucidating the intricate interplay between hardware and software components. It surveys the state-of-the-art technologies that empower these systems, including advanced sensors, actuators, and communication protocols, highlighting their pivotal roles in perception, decision-making, and control aspects of autonomous driving. One of the prominent trends discussed in this review is the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms within embedded systems. The incorporation of these intelligent algorithms enables vehicles to adapt and learn from real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to navigate diverse and dynamic environments. Additionally, the review sheds light on the growing emphasis on connectivity and edge computing, illustrating how embedded systems leverage these technologies to facilitate seamless communication between vehicles and their surrounding infrastructure. Despite the promising advancements, the review critically examines the persistent challenges that impede the widespread adoption of embedded systems in autonomous vehicles. Issues such as safety concerns, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory frameworks are analyzed, providing insights into the complex ecosystem in which these technologies operate. In addressing the future directions of embedded systems in autonomous vehicles, the review envisions a trajectory marked by continuous innovation and collaboration across industries. It anticipates the evolution of embedded systems towards more robust, adaptive, and fault-tolerant architectures, paving the way for increased autonomy and widespread deployment of autonomous vehicles. This comprehensive review provides a holistic understanding of embedded systems in autonomous vehicles, encapsulating current trends, challenges, and future directions. As the automotive landscape undergoes a paradigm shift, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to navigate the dynamic terrain of autonomous vehicle technology.

Self-standing bacterial cellulose-reinforced poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) doped with graphene oxide composite electrodes for high-performance ionic electroactive soft actuators.

Flexible electrode films with good film-forming properties, large deformation ability, high conductivity, and strong charge and discharge capabilities are crucial for ionic electroactive polymer soft actuators. However, there are still challenges in preparing high-quality electrode films that can combine well with the intermediate polyelectrolyte to form high-performance soft actuators. Herein, we propose an advanced sandwich ionic electroactive actuator utilizing self-standing bacterial cellulose (BC) reinforced poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PP) doped with graphene oxide (GO) conductive composite electrodes and a Nafion ion-exchange membrane via a hot-pressing method. The prepared BC-PP-GO electrodes have good film-forming properties with a Young's modulus of 1360 MPa and a high conductivity of 150 S cm-1. The hot-pressed BC-PP-GO/Nafion ionic actuator exhibited a large bending displacement of 6.2 mm (1 V, 0.1 Hz) with a long-term actuation stability up to 95% over 360 cycles without degradation. Furthermore, we introduced the actuator's potential applications including bionic grippers, flies, and fish, providing more opportunities for the development of next-generation micromanipulators and biomimetic microrobots in cm-scale space.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Farming Practices

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a groundbreaking technology with the potential to revolutionize various sectors, and agriculture stands as one of its prime beneficiaries. This paper delves into the transformative impact of AI in agriculture, exploring its multifaceted applications, benefits, and implications.AI-powered technologies, such as machine learning, robotics, and data analytics, are increasingly being integrated into agricultural practices, offering innovative solutions to age-old challenges. One of the pivotal areas where AI is making significant strides is in precision agriculture. Through the utilization of drones, sensors, and satellite imagery, AI enables farmers to collect real-time data on soil quality, crop health, and weather conditions. By leveraging this data, farmers can make informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and pest management, thereby optimizing resource usage and enhancing crop yields.Furthermore, AI-driven predictive analytics empower farmers to anticipate crop diseases, pests, and adverse weather events, allowing for proactive mitigation strategies. This predictive capability not only minimizes yield losses but also reduces reliance on chemical inputs, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, AI facilitates autonomous farming machinery equipped with advanced sensors and actuators, enabling precise and efficient field operations. This not only enhances productivity but also alleviates the labor-intensive nature of traditional farming, addressing the challenge of labor scarcity in many agricultural regions.The impact of AI in agriculture extends beyond farm-level operations to supply chain management and market forecasting. AI algorithms analyze vast volumes of data encompassing market trends, consumer preferences, and climatic patterns to provide insights into optimal planting schedules, pricing strategies, and distribution logistics. By optimizing supply chain processes, AI enhances efficiency, minimizes wastage, and ensures food security.However, the widespread adoption of AI in agriculture raises pertinent concerns regarding data privacy, cybersecurity, and socioeconomic disparities. The collection and utilization of vast amounts of agricultural data necessitate robust data governance frameworks to safeguard farmer privacy and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, the digital divide between large-scale commercial farms and smallholder farmers must be addressed to ensure equitable access to AI technologies. Governments, policymakers, and industry stakeholders need to collaborate to develop inclusive policies and infrastructure that foster the equitable deployment of AI in agriculture.In conclusion, the integration of AI in agriculture represents a paradigm shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and resilient food production systems. By harnessing the power of AI-driven technologies, farmers can mitigate risks, optimize resource utilization, and improve livelihoods. However, realizing the full potential of AI in agriculture requires concerted efforts to address regulatory, ethical, and socioeconomic challenges. Through strategic collaboration and innovation, AI has the potential to transform agriculture, ensuring food security and sustainability for future generations.

A Review in On-Body Compression Using Soft Actuators and Sensors: Applications, Mechanisms, and Challenges.

Body compression through a garment or inflatable pneumatic mechanism has various applications in aesthetic, athletic, robotics, haptics, astronautics, and especially medical fields for treatment of various disorders such as varicose veins, lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, and orthostatic intolerance. Traditionally, compression has been done through under-sized (e.g. elastic) or size-adjustable (e.g. inflatable) compression garments. Such systems are designed to apply substantially uniform pressure on the body. However, due to reasons such as anatomical variations and body posture change, different levels of compression may be applied to the body. Further, a high level of discomfort and non-compliance is reported among patients due to donning difficulties. Therefore, there have been some efforts to make compression garments smart by employing advanced functional soft materials and actuators (such as Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), Electroactive polymer (EAP), etc.) as well as soft force-pressure sensors so that the compression level could be controlled and regulated for each person or specific tasks. However, despite these advances, there are still challenges to accurately controlling the on-body compression level that are mainly due to the inherent characteristics of the soft actuators or sensors and the sophisticated human body conditions. In this paper, we will first investigate the soft actuators and sensors that have the potential to be used for on-body compression applications. Then, integrated soft sensing-actuation systems for interfacial compression purposes are studied. Finally, the challenges that might be associated with this work are introduced.