New paper about laser-induced undulatory locomotion in liquid crystalline elastomers.

The study shows how liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE) can bend and crawl using controlled laser heating. The researchers took inspiration from C. elegans, a small worm that moves by bending along its body. By shining a laser on different parts of the fiber in sequence, the scientists made LCE strip bend in a similar pattern. This wave motion allows the fiber to move forward without any motors or electronics inside it.

The system is simple: light heats small areas of the material, causing it to bend. The direction and speed of the movement was controlled by changing the timing and position of the laser. The work could help develop soft robots that move more naturally, especially in tight or delicate spaces. You can read more in the original publication C. elegans-inspired undulatory motion in a light-driven liquid crystal elastomer fiber.

This publication marks the final paper of Yasaman Nemati’s PhD studies and will soon be followed by her successful graduation. Congratulations to Yasaman and co-authors on this achievement!