Abstract: Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) fibers, an apparatus for manufacturing, and a method for using the apparatus are provided. LCE fibers formed from each of a plurality of resin recipes can undergo reversible temperature driven actuation of the fiber. Each of the resin recipes forms a fiber having a different actuation temperature. The apparatus includes: an extrusion device, a drawing bobbin, a coating basin, a collector bobbin, a first plurality of curing devices, and a second plurality of curing devices, to transform a resin recipe into a LCE fiber. In operation, the extrusion device extrudes the resin through to the first plurality of curing devices for a partial cure. Once in contact with drawing bobbin the resin is coated in a fluid, and then pull through the second plurality of curing devices for a final cure by collector bobbin, where it can be collected and post-processed.

Abstract: Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) fibers, an apparatus for manufacturing, and a method for using the apparatus are provided. LCE fibers formed from each of a plurality of resin recipes can undergo reversible temperature driven actuation of the fiber. Each of the resin recipes forms a fiber having a different actuation temperature. The apparatus includes: an extrusion device, a drawing bobbin, a coating basin, a collector bobbin, a first plurality of curing devices, and a second plurality of curing devices, to transform a resin recipe into a LCE fiber. In operation, the extrusion device extrudes the resin through to the first plurality of curing devices for a partial cure. Once in contact with drawing bobbin the resin is coated in a fluid, and then pull through the second plurality of curing devices for a final cure by collector bobbin, where it can be collected and post-processed.

Abstract: This document describes morphing objects that are created using hydrogels and techniques for creating and controlling the morphing objects. In one aspect, a method for creating a morphing object includes creating one or more heating elements on a substrate by applying one or more conductive traces onto at least one of a first surface of the substrate or a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface and forming a hydrogel pattern on the first surface of the substrate by applying a hydrogel ink to the first surface of the substrate based on a predefined pattern.

Abstract: This document describes morphing objects that are created using hydrogels and techniques for creating and controlling the morphing objects. In one aspect, a method for creating a morphing object includes creating one or more heating elements on a substrate by applying one or more conductive traces onto at least one of a first surface of the substrate or a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface and forming a hydrogel pattern on the first surface of the substrate by applying a hydrogel ink to the first surface of the substrate based on a predefined pattern.