A Spatially Selective Electroactive-Actuating Adhesive Electronics for Multi-Object Manipulation and Adaptive Haptic Interaction

Some organisms often use adhesive setae to manipulate objects or communicate critical signals for survival through subtle surface-transmitted vibrations, along with locomotion and long-term adherence. Inspired by this phenomenon, the spatially selective vibration-transmitting electronics of a multi-pixelated electroactive-actuating adhesive patch coupled with small adhesive architectures are presented. Here, diving beetle-like small dense hairs possessing concave cavities are introduced to obtain high adaptability on various non-flat surfaces in dry or wet conditions. Based on the versatile vibration-transmitting platform, the ensuing lightweight, spatially-selective, switchable-adhesive device is demonstrated to effectively manipulate multiple objects simultaneously, thus overcoming the limitations of existing monotonous transportation devices. In addition, the electronics can be applied to the stretchable skin-conforming haptic interface with high breathability and repeatable attachment capability, capable of recognizing complex outward textures of virtual objects. This skin-adaptive haptic electronics can amplify the tiny vibrotactile feedback from the diverse surface textures of virtual creatures due to its possession of bioinspired architectures at the human-machine interface. Here, the stably encapsulated device is integrated with machine learning-based comprehension for reproducible expression. Therefore, this technology offers promise in virtual reality and augmented reality applications. A deformable adhesive electronic patch inspired by insect vibratory communication and biological adhesion mechanisms is introduced. Through a combination of the structural and material design of actuator arrays and adhesive architectures, this platform enables multiple-objects manipulation with spatially controllable adhesion, and effective structure-mediated vibration transmission for AR/VR interactions and robotics.image

Automated summary

Inspired by biological mechanisms, this study presents a deformable adhesive electronic patch that can manipulate objects on various surfaces with spatially selective and switchable adhesion. It can also be applied to a stretchable skin-conforming haptic interface for recognizing textures of virtual objects. This technology is important for virtual reality and augmented reality applications.