Fabric electromagnetic actuators

Abstract Soft electromagnetic actuators have important applications in fields, such as soft robots, human–machine interaction, and biomedicine, owing to their fast response speed, high driving efficiency, and large driving force. However, there are persistent challenges in the development of high-performance soft electromagnetic actuators that are light, thin, low-cost, controllable, and efficient. In this study, we propose a fabric electromagnetic actuator (FEMA) based on copper-mesh hot-pressing technology, which exhibits the advantages of simple processing, fast preparation speed, low cost, thinness and flexibility, and strong reliability and repeatability. This process is suitable for the preparation of electromagnetic actuators for various fabrics, such as cotton, nylon, terylene, and silk. Furthermore, the static and dynamic control characteristics of one and two actuators were tested and analyzed. The FEMA exhibits excellent flexibility, shape controllability, and high-speed driving ability. The results of the correlation analysis provide theoretical support for the controlling of FEMAs. Finally, we developed a 3 × 1 array actuator and 2 × 2 array actuators based on a modular combination of FEMA units and achieved multi-mode motion control. Furthermore, a large-area FEMA was developed, demonstrating excellent shape adaptability and gripping ability. Our findings have significant implications for the advancement of lightweight electromagnetic actuators, and further studies on design concepts and multi-mode control could unveil even more potential applications.