Mixed-ionic-electronic conductivity composite materials mirror sense organs in structure and functionality.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s Physical AI Lab have developed new multifunctional material-sensors that emulate the complex capabilities of natural systems, and which they believe will advance the field of Physical Artificial Intelligence.
In contrast to digital AI, which focuses on computation and data processes, physical AI combines physical structures with computational intelligence with the aim of creating lifelike, autonomous soft robots capable of dynamic interactions with their environment.
Multifunctionality is a core feature of PAI, akin to the multifaceted roles of various natural organs and components. Traditional approaches to creating synthetic multifunctional devices have often resulted in incomplete sets of characteristics, making true bio-analogous performance elusive. The development of materials that can respond to different stimuli, their precise additive manufacturing and the ability to process signals through different internal mechanisms are crucial for achieving this goal.
The team of engineers reportedly achieved a significant breakthrough by developing 3D-printable high mixed-ionic-electronic conductivity composite materials (ISMCs) that exhibit bio-analogous multifunctionality. ISMCs can transfer charges through both ions and electrons, allowing them to process diverse signals concurrently. Made from high-conductivity ionogels and single-walled carbon nanotubes, the ISMCs can be 3D printed into complex shapes to produces versatile, soft multifunctional devices.
“These bio-analogous sensors have vast potential applications in fields requiring precise and multifunctional sensing capabilities,” said Aslan Miriyev, who led the research. “The possibilities are extensive, from robotics, where they can contribute to more lifelike and responsive interactions, to healthcare, where they could be used in advanced diagnostic tools. Our ISMC-based precisely 3D-printable multifunctional sensors can significantly enhance how we approach sensory applications in various fields.”
Sergey Nechausov, lead author of the published research, used imidazolium-based ionic liquids within a photopolymer matrix to achieve high ionic and electronic conductivity. The resulting ISMCs were showcased as multifunctional micro-pyramid pressure-temperature sensors with high sensitivity across broad temperature and pressure ranges.
“Thanks to the ISMCs’ chemical composition and advanced photorheological behavior, we can precisely 3D-print multifunctional sensors of almost any shape,” said Nechausov. “Such sensors can operate under both AC and DC, and their ability to provide precise, distinct responses to multiple stimuli makes them highly versatile. Our sensors enable smart systems to interact with their environment in more complex and nuanced ways.”
The researchers plan to refine these sensors further, exploring additional functionalities and improving their performance for a broader range of applications. Future developments include creating 3D-printable artificial skins and adding actuation capabilities to develop bodily intelligent soft systems for soft robotics, haptics, healthcare, and beyond. They also aim to integrate learning-based methods to control these sensory-motor systems, moving towards soft-robotic autonomy.
The research is published in the Chemical Engineering Journal in an article entitled “3D-Printable High-Mixed-Conductivity Ionogel Composites for Soft Multifunctional Devices.”
