#South Korea #Seoul #SEOULTECH #Soft Robotics #Starfish Adhesive

SEOULTECH's Groundbreaking Research in Soft Robotics

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) have recently made significant advancements in the field of soft robotics, particularly focusing on an innovative adhesive system inspired by the unique tube feet of starfish. This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in underwater robotics, where effective adhesion and detachment mechanisms are critical.

The Need for Soft Robotics

Soft robotics is an emerging area that utilizes flexible and deformable materials for autonomous systems. These systems are particularly useful in challenging environments, such as underwater, where traditional rigid robotics may struggle. The recent applications of soft robotics have expanded into deep-sea sampling, where consistent adhesion and the ability to detach are necessary for successful operations. Researchers have identified that nature offers solutions to these challenges, with creatures like geckos, mussels, and octopuses providing examples of effective adhesion techniques.

Inspired by Nature: The Starfish

In this research, the team, led by Professor Hyunsik Yoon from the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at SEOULTECH, has drawn inspiration from the anatomy of starfish. Starfish are echinoderms capable of moving across rocky surfaces, adhering to various textures, and even manipulating their environment by digging into sand.

The resulting adhesive technology mimics the tube feet of starfish, which allows for the attachment and detachment of objects underwater on demand, functioning much like the natural mechanisms of starfish tube feet. By utilizing innovative materials that respond to external stimuli, this system promises more versatility and efficiency than traditional chemical adhesives.

Mechanism of the Starfish-Inspired Adhesive

The starfish-inspired adhesive consists of a soft hydrogel component and a rigid stem, serially bonded to create an operational mechanism. When the hydrogel is activated, it changes shape to form a soft, cupped pad that enhances contact with surfaces. This pad allows for effective adhesion, while the vacuum created during detachment generates underwater adhesion forces of up to 65 kPa. The innovation demonstrates high adhesion hysteresis, automatic release triggered by external conditions, and rapid detachment through pneumatic actuation.

The researchers showcased this technology's capabilities through various underwater manipulations, successfully moving rocks underwater to demonstrate the adhesive's functionality.

Broader Applications and Implications

This novel starfish-inspired adhesion technique holds considerable promise for various real-world applications. In industrial settings, it can facilitate precise chip transfer in MicroLED manufacturing, crucial for creating high-quality, energy-efficient screens in smartphones and larger displays.

In the biomedical sector, the same principles of adhesion can lead to the development of next-generation biomedical patches, surgical instruments, and wearable sensors. This technology offers a glue-free solution that can securely attach to wet skin or tissue without causing irritation, ultimately improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy.

Prof. Yoon elaborated on the potential impact of their research, suggesting that the adhesion technology could revolutionize both display manufacturing and biomedical engineering by providing a reliable, easy-to-use method of attachment that is both strong and gentle.

Conclusion

Overall, the research conducted by SEOULTECH not only broadens the horizons of soft robotics but also offers practical solutions that could lead to thinner, smarter, and more user-friendly devices in both industrial and healthcare fields. This starfish-inspired technology exemplifies how biomimicry can drive innovation, creating tools and systems that emulate the efficiency of nature's designs.