Development of intelligent soft actuators based on hybrid materials (B06*)

• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 433682494

Intelligent matter can make a profound impact on the emerging area of soft robotics. In this project, we will develop electrically powered soft actuators, incorporating hybrid materials that enable an internal feedback mechanism for adaptivity and learning. We envision soft actuators where the electrode material is a malleable metal polymer composite and the filler material (which is typically water or air) is a gel or block copolymer composite. The hybrid material is compatible with 2D and 3D printing techniques suitable for soft actuator fabrication. Once feedback-controlled actuation has been realized, we will demonstrate a self-learning soft gripper.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1459: Intelligent Matter – From responsive to adaptive nanosystems
• International Connection: Netherlands
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Christian Nijhuis, since 1/2025; Professor Dr. Bart Jan Ravoo, since 1/2025