{"id":24221,"date":"2018-05-29T14:26:29","date_gmt":"2018-05-29T18:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/?p=24221"},"modified":"2022-03-16T11:33:06","modified_gmt":"2022-03-16T15:33:06","slug":"3d-printed-smart-gel-underwater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/3d-printed-smart-gel-underwater\/","title":{"rendered":"A Human-Like 3D-Printed Smart Gel That Can Operate Underwater"},"content":{"rendered":"

A team of engineers from Rutgers University<\/span>\u2013<\/span>New Brunswick has created a <\/span>human-like 3D-printed smart gel<\/span><\/a> that can walk underwater as well as grab and move objects. <\/span><\/p>\n

This new technology could lead to the development of soft robots that can mimic an octopus\u2019s ability to walk underwater and bump into things without causing damage. <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the smart gel could be used for creating artificial muscle in the heart and stomach, as well as for diagnosing disease, detecting and delivering drugs, and performing underwater inspections. <\/span><\/p>\n

The study is published online in <\/span>ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

How does it work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The researchers developed a system to 3D-print electroactive hydrogels, a solid material made of around 70 percent water that can change and move shape when activated by electricity. <\/span><\/p>\n

During the printing process, the researchers project light onto a light-sensitive solution that becomes a gel. Then, they place the gel in an electrolyte, or salty water solution, and apply electricity to it through two thin wires. <\/span><\/p>\n

The electricity triggers motion such as walking forward, walking backward, and grabbing and moving objects, while the speed is controlled by changing its dimensions. For example, thin is faster than thick. <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the gel can bend or change shape depending on the strength of the electrolyte solution and electric field. <\/span><\/p>\n