Researchers have developed a new resilient actuator that could allow soft robots to operate in extreme environments such as the stratosphere and outer space, where traditional soft robotic components often fail due to harsh pressure and temperature conditions. <\/p>\n
The actuator is based on a specially processed silicone elastomer designed to maintain performance in extreme environments while remaining flexible.<\/p>\n
Soft robots are increasingly being explored for aerospace and high-altitude applications because they are lightweight, adaptable, and safer for interacting with delicate equipment or unpredictable environments. <\/p>\n
However, many soft robotic components degrade when exposed to extreme temperatures, low pressure, and high electrical stress, limiting their use outside controlled laboratory settings.<\/p>\n
A more resilient silicone elastomer<\/p>\n
The actuator developed by the research team is a type of dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA), which converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. <\/p>\n
These actuators are widely used in soft robotics due to their flexibility and lightweight structure, but reliability has been a major challenge in extreme environments.<\/p>\n
To address this issue, the researchers developed a new chemical crosslinking method for silicone elastomers. Crosslinking strengthens materials by bonding molecular chains together, improving durability and stability under stress.<\/p>\n
The team used ultraviolet light along with a platinum-based catalyst to create stronger carbon-carbon bonds within the silicone material. <\/p>\n
This process produced an elastomer that could maintain performance across extreme temperature ranges and low-pressure environments.<\/p>\n
\u201cDielectric elastomer actuators are promising for extreme environments, but their reliability has been limited by material degradation,\u201d the researchers explained <\/a>in the study. The new crosslinking method was designed specifically to improve durability and stability under harsh conditions.<\/p>\n Laboratory tests showed the material remained functional at temperatures ranging from approximately \u221240\u00b0F (\u221240\u00b0C) to 248\u00b0F (120\u00b0C) and under near-vacuum conditions, which are similar to environments found in the upper atmosphere or space.<\/p>\n Tested in the stratosphere<\/p>\n To demonstrate real-world performance, the researchers integrated the actuators into soft robotic grippers and tested them during high-altitude balloon missions. <\/p>\n The systems operated successfully in the stratosphere at altitudes exceeding 14 miles (23 kms), where pressure is extremely low and temperatures can drop significantly.<\/p>\n The successful tests suggest that dielectric elastomer actuators built using the new silicone material could function reliably in space-like conditions, opening the door to new aerospace robotics applications.<\/p>\n According to the researchers, the material design could enable soft robotic systems to operate in environments where traditional soft actuators would fail, including high-altitude research platforms and space exploration systems.<\/p>\n Actuators are critical components in robotic systems because they enable movement<\/a> and mechanical actions. Improving actuator durability could allow soft robots to be used in environments where rigid robots are difficult to deploy or operate safely.<\/p>\n The researchers believe their crosslinking approach could also be applied to other silicone elastomers to improve durability, adhesion, and compatibility with additive manufacturing processes. <\/p>\n