Transformable 3D curved high-density liquid metal coils – an integrated unit for general soft actuation, sensing and communication

Rigid solenoid coils have long been indispensable in modern intelligent devices. However, their sparse structure and challenging preparation of flexible coils for soft robots impose limitations. Here, a transformable 3D curved high-density liquid metal coil (HD-LMC) is introduced that surpasses the structural density level of enameled wire. The fabrication technique employed for high-density channels in elastomers is universally applicable. Such HD-LMCs demonstrated excellent performance in pressure, temperature, non-contact distance sensors, and near-field communication. Soft electromagnetic actuators thus achieved significantly improved the electromagnetic force and power density. Moreover, precise control of swinging tail motion enables a bionic pufferfish to swim. Finally, HD-LMC is further utilized to successfully implement a soft rotary robot with integrated sensing and actuation capabilities. This groundbreaking research provides a theoretical and experimental basis for expanding the applications of liquid metal-based multi-dimensional complex flexible electronics and is expected to be widely used in liquid metal-integrated robotic systems. Developing flexible coils for soft robotic applications is challenging due to their sparse structure. Here, the authors present a design of transformable 3D curved high-density liquid metal coils, surpassing the structural density level of enameled wire for soft actuation, sensing, and communication.