Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping apparatus comprising a membrane; a flexible housing; with said membrane being fixedly connected to a periphery of the housing. The invention further relates to a method of producing a gripping apparatus.

Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.

Abstract: A flexible and stretchable integrated electronic device comprising a substrate having a stiffness gradient, wherein a rigid electronic device is embedded within the substrate. The stiffness gradient within the substrate prevents delamination at the interface between the substrate and the embedded device. A method of fabricating an integrated electronic device having a stiffness gradient comprises applying a curing agent to an uncured polymer base material.

Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.

Abstract: A flexible and stretchable integrated electronic device comprising a substrate having a stiffness gradient, wherein a rigid electronic device is embedded within the substrate. The stiffness gradient within the substrate prevents delamination at the interface between the substrate and the embedded device. A method of fabricating an integrated electronic device having a stiffness gradient comprises applying a curing agent to an uncured polymer base material.

Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.

Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.

Abstract: A fabrication process for soft-matter printed circuit boards is disclosed in which traces of liquid-phase Ga—In eutectic (eGaIn) are patterned with UV laser micromachining (UVLM). The terminals of the elastomer-sealed LM circuit connect to the surface mounted chips through vertically-aligned columns of eGaIn-coated ferromagnetic microspheres that are embedded within an interfacial elastomer layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising a conductive elastomer and an isolating elastomer. When a current is passed through the conductive elastomer, its tensile modulus decreases as the elastomer heats from internal Joule heating, changing the rigidity of the composite. When the current is no longer present, the elastomer cools and the rigidity of the composite returns to its original state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an efficient fabrication approach to create highly customizable wearable electronics through rapid laser machining and adhesion-controlled soft materials assembly. Well-aligned, multi-layered materials can be created from 2D and 3D elements that stretch and bend while seamlessly integrating with rigid components such as microchip integrated circuits (IC), discrete electrical components, and interconnects. These techniques are applied using commercially available materials. These materials and methods enable custom wearable electronics while offering versatility in design and functionality for a variety of bio-monitoring applications.

Abstract: A flexible and stretchable integrated electronic device comprising a substrate having a stiffness gradient, wherein a rigid electronic device is embedded within the substrate. The stiffness gradient within the substrate prevents delamination at the interface between the substrate and the embedded device. A method of fabricating an integrated electronic device having a stiffness gradient comprises applying a curing agent to an uncured polymer base material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising an elastomer with an embedded network of liquid metal inclusions. The composite retains similar flexibility to that of an elastomer but exhibits electrical and thermal properties that differ from the properties of a homogeneous elastomer. The composite has applications for wearable devices and other soft matter electronics, among others.

Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising a conductive elastomer and an isolating elastomer. When a current is passed through the conductive elastomer, its tensile modulus decreases as the elastomer heats from internal Joule heating, changing the rigidity of the composite. When the current is no longer present, the elastomer cools and the rigidity of the composite returns to its original state.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a soft-matter electronic device having micron-scale features, and methods to fabricate the electronic device. In some embodiments, the device comprises an elastomer mold having microchannels, which are filled with an eutectic alloy to create an electrically conductive element. The microchannels are sealed with a polymer to prevent the alloy from escaping the microchannels. In some embodiments, the alloy is drawn into the microchannels using a micro-transfer printing technique. Additionally, the molds can be created using soft-lithography or other fabrication techniques. The method described herein allows creation of micron-scale circuit features with a line width and spacing that is an order-of-magnitude smaller than those previously demonstrated.

Abstract: A hyperelastic, soft microfluidic film measures bending curvature using a novel non-differential mechanism. Disclosed embodiments of the elastomer-based solution allows for curvature sensing directly on a bending plane and thus eliminates limitations imposed by strain gauge factor (GF) and sensor thickness (Z). Due to soft lithography microfabrication and design methods the disclosed curvature sensors are elastically soft (modulus 0.1-1 MPa) and stretchable (100-1000% strain). In contrast to existing curvature sensors that measure differential strain, embodiments of the present invention measures curvature directly and allows for arbitrary gauge factor and film thickness. Moreover, the sensor is composed entirely of soft elastomer (PDMS or Ecoflex® and conductive liquid (eutectic gallium indium, (eGaIn)) and thus remains functional even when stretched to several times its natural length.

Abstract: A flexible orthotic device includes two or more active components embedded in a sheet material. Each active component can include a controller and one or more actuation elements controlled by the controller. The two or more active components can communicate with each other and cause the active components to contract and dynamically change the structural characteristics of the orthotic device. By coordinating the motion of two or more active components, the flexible orthotic device can be programmed to assist or resist the motion of a subject wearing the device. The orthotic device can be effectively employed to provide locomotion assistance, gait rehabilitation, and gait training. Similarly, the orthotic device may be applied to the wrist, elbow, torso, or any other body part. The active components may be actuated to effectively transmit force to a body part, such as a limb, to assist with movement when desired.

Abstract: A hyperelastic, soft microfluidic film measures bending curvature using a novel non-differential mechanism. Disclosed embodiments of the elastomer-based solution allows for curvature sensing directly on a bending plane and thus eliminates limitations imposed by strain gauge factor (GF) and sensor thickness (Z). Due to soft lithography microfabrication and design methods the disclosed curvature sensors are elastically soft (modulus 0.1-1 MPa) and stretchable (100-1000% strain). In contrast to existing curvature sensors that measure differential strain, embodiments of the present invention measures curvature directly and allows for arbitrary gauge factor and film thickness. Moreover, the sensor is composed entirely of soft elastomer (PDMS or Ecoflex® and conductive liquid (eutectic gallium indium, (eGaIn)) and thus remains functional even when stretched to several times its natural length.

Abstract: A fabricated nano-structure includes a substrate, a supporting stalk, a node, and at least two spatular plate portions. The supporting stalk has a first end opposite a second end. The first end of the supporting stalk is connected to the substrate. The supporting stalk has a diameter range of about 50 nanometers to about 2 microns. A node is disposed at the second end of the supporting stalk. At least two spatular plate portions are connected to the node. The at least two spatular plate portions have planar geometries and are radially distributed about the node. The at least two spatular plate portions has a ratio of a maximum plate thickness to a maximum plate length of at most about 1:20. The maximum plate length is measured along a line from a boundary of the spatular plate portion to a centroid of the node. The maximum plate length is at least about 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Described herein is a microstructure having a substrate and a plurality of nano-fibers attached to the substrate. Each nano-fiber moves between the first and second states without an external mechanical load being applied to the nano-fibers. Each nano-fiber is configured to move between a first state and a second state in response to applied electricity, magnetism, chemical solution, heat, or light. Each nano-fiber is straight in the first state and curved in the second state, and when the nano-fibers are in the second state and in contact with a contact surface, the nano-fibers adhere to the contact surface.