University of Queensland researchers have developed a 3D printing method to produce shape-shifting liquid metal robotics with musculoskeletal qualities inspired by animal physiology.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Dr Ruirui Qiao<\/a> and her research team at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology<\/a> (AIBN) have used the technique to make medical rehabilitation components and devices with superior strength and <\/span>flexibility<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe set out to mimic the locomotion, flexibility and control of mammalian movement,\u201d Dr Qiao said.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBy combining \u2018soft\u2019 spherical liquid metal nanoparticles and \u2018rigid\u2019 rod-like gallium-based nanorods in the 3D printing process, we have been able to replicate the interconnected network of bone and muscle that gives animals an advantage in efficiency and strength.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis tuneable gallium-polymer composite can be used for next generation medical rehabilitation products like high-precision grippers for prosthetic limbs.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Dr Qiao said many manufacturers draw inspiration from the locomotion mechanisms of soft-bodied creatures in nature. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBut making hybrid structures is very challenging due to limitations in material selection as well as the complex, multi-step processes involved in traditional manufacturing methods,\u201d she said. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe developed a new method to mimic animal physiology to benefit our own technology using a quick and simple manufacturing process.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Dr Qiao said given the ease of fabrication and its potential applications, the soft-rigid polymer composite could revolutionise the field of hybrid soft materials and accelerate innovations in soft robotics. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe would like to see research that advances 3D printing technologies and design strategies, focusing on increasing the proportion of metal-based nanoparticles within the 3D-printed composite,\u201d she said. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis will further enhance responsive properties and ultimately improve the performance of hybrid soft robots.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The project involved AIBN researchers including Xumin Huang<\/a>,\u00a0Jiangyu Hang, Naufal Kabir Ahamed Nasar<\/a>, Thomas Quinn<\/a>, Dr Liwen Zhang<\/a>, and Professor Tom Davis<\/a>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The research<\/a> is published Advanced Materials.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Image above l<\/i>eft: Liquid metals used for preparing tuneable gallium-polymer composite.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> Images available via Dropbox<\/i><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> AIBN Communications<\/span> \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.uq.edu.au\/news\/\/filething\/get\/335281\/530w-ruirui-printing-aibn-new-brightened.jpg\")
Similarly to Dr Qiao\u2019s previous work<\/a> with liquid metal, the new creations are capable of taking and holding different shapes and functions when exposed to stimuli such as heat and infrared light. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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