Pruksawan, S., Ao, X., Lam, D. K. F., Chong, Y. T., Yu, N., Li, J., & Wang, F. (2026). A generalizable geometry-driven approach for programmable locomotion in stimuli-responsive materials. Materials Today Advances, 29, 100680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtadv.2025.100680
Abstract:
Stimuli-responsive hydrogels offer considerable potential for soft robotics; however, achieving controllable locomotion remains challenging, as it requires the integration of shape transformation and effective environmental interaction. Conventional strategies often rely on heterogeneous materials, such as multimaterials or gradient structures, to induce motion, but these approaches substantially complicate fabrication and compromise material reliability. Here, we demonstrate that stimuli-responsive hydrogels can achieve programmable locomotion solely through geometric design, enabled by single-vat photopolymerization-based three-dimensional (3D) printing. By geometrically designing the hydrogel to generate asymmetric stress and relaxation under repeated stimuli, the system moves along programmable trajectories, such as forward, lateral, and diagonal motion. Experiments with pH- and temperature-responsive hydrogels validate tunable locomotion direction in one- and two-dimensional trajectories, and speed, while finite element analysis (FEA) simulations provide mechanistic insight and predictive guidance for design.
License type:
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - A*STAR Career Development Fund
Grant Reference no. : C233312015
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity (MTC) Individual Research Grant
Grant Reference no. : M23M6c0110
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR - Singapore RIE2025 Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity (MTC) Programmatic Fund
Grant Reference no. : M24N3b0028