Modern Robot Bionic Design Directions and Application Prospects

The four-legged bionic robot for agriculture has been one of the hotspots in the field of robotics. The farmland environment is complex, and the balance requirement of quadruped bionic robot is higher. However, head adjustment is a key factor affecting the balance of quadruped animals. Based on this, this study takes the four-legged animal goat as an example to investigate the effect of goat head movement adjustment on the balance of goat. In this study, the head and neck of goats were simplified to a two-link model. The kinematics model was established by D-H method. MATLAB software was used to solve it. Origin software was used to draw the movement track of the center of mass of the head. The center of mass movement of the head is a quarter ellipse. Then, the goat walking experiments were carried out on the different slopes (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35° and 40°). MATLAB software was used to fit the movement data of goat head. The movement of the center of mass of the goat's head corresponds to Fourier 6. The result is: the determination coefficient is 0.8629, and the mean variance is 0.019. When the slope gradient gradually increases, the volatility gradually increases and is cyclical. The results of this study verify the rationality of the four-legged bionic mechanism under various parameters and reveal the mechanism of goat walking with an appendage at the head. Keywords: bionic four-legged robot, slope, head, center of mass, trajectory, balance DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20191204.4287 Citation: Zhang F, Wang Y F, Teng S, Zheng L M, Wang J J, Chen Z J. Development of agricultural bionic four-legged robot: Effect of head movement adjustment on the stability of goats. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2019; 12(4): 10–15.

Inspired by the agility of mantis shrimp, this paper presents the development of a novel bionic mantis shrimp robot with multiple pleopods coupled motion for underwater target recognition and tracking. Firstly, the novel bionic robot is constructed based on the inspiration from biological mantis shrimp. Secondly, a Kalman filter-based algorithm, namely MobileNet-YOLO (KMY), is created to collect datasets and train neural networks. Thirdly, a moving target following system is developed for the bionic mantis shrimp robot, in which a dual PID controller is used to track underwater moving targets. The real robot testing results show that the proposed control system can enable our bionic robot to follow a specific moving target in a narrow pool (2m × 1m × 1m), and the minimum turning radius can be up to 0.55m when the angle between the robot's initial motion and the motion of target is 90°.

The development of new technologies has contributed to the development of robotic technology. The greatest contribution to the development of robotic technology was made by information technology and sensor technology. Parallel to their development, robotic technology evolved, as well. The development of industrial robots was followed by the development of service robots. The development of information technology and advancement in sensor technology and servo-drives resulted in over 300 different types or prototypes of service robots for non-production applications. Service robots are designed to be used in professional and service workplaces, and to be used in all areas of daily life. One of the application areas of service robots is medicine. Since medicine can be classified as science, research, and human discipline, so can application of service robots present scientific contribution through huge application of variety of robotic devices for different purposes in different technological achievements in various fields of medicine. These robotic devices are used as replacement for missing limbs, perform complex surgical procedures, serve patients in hospital rooms, perform laboratory tests to diagnose the disease, and help in rehabilitation after stroke. This paper will explain the representation of service robots in medicine, as well as their application in different areas of medicine. An analysis was conducted of investment in development and research of robotic technology, with scenario of development of robot revolution to the creation of intelligent robots.

Smart textiles are one of the areas that provides added value to textile materials. It is a sector that has been developed with new technologies, new fibers, and textile materials. The production of smart or intelligent textiles cooperate with other branches of science like nanotechnology, materials science, design, electronics, and computer engineering, etc. Smart textiles are classified into three groups as passive smart textiles, active smart textiles and ultra smart textiles according to their performance characteristics. Passive smart textiles are the first generation of smart textiles and sense the external conditions; for instance, UV protecting clothing, conductive fibers, etc. As active smart textiles respond to external conditions, ultra smart textiles sense, react, and adopt themselves to conditions. Shape memory materials, chromic materials, heat storage, and thermo-regulated fabrics are the typical applications of active smart textiles.

With the rapid development of computer technology, biological engineering and artificial intelligence, robot technology has made a significant breakthrough. Bionic robots have made great progress. Robot technology includes computer, artificial intelligence, machinery, electronics and sensors. The application field of robot expands continuously after years of development. In this paper, the robot technology is introduced, the research status of the robot platform is explained, the control method of the robot is studied and the application prospect of the bionic robot is analyzed. Finally, it is pointed out that the motion control method and control theory of the bionic robot need to be studied more and more, so as to further improve the theoretical research basis and make greater breakthroughs in the realization of technology and motion control method.

Smart textiles are adaptive materials that use established textile methods to integrate multifunctionalities beyond apparels. Despite recent advancement, a significant gap exists between commercial needs and the academic state of the art. In this perspective, we aim to address the gap by (i) holistically investigating smart textile system operation, (ii) exploring production methods and materials for stimuli-responsive smart textiles, (iii) discussing key emerging application areas for stimuli-responsive textiles, and (iv) identifying markets, production techniques, and strategies for future development. Stimuli-responsive smart textiles rely on materials and processes to interact with the environment and wearer. Smart textile applications, such as assistive soft robotics, smart healing, and thermal comfort regulation, require textiles to meet the needs of form and function. Smart textile commercialization requires the identification of markets ready for adaptive textiles, wherein a smart phone or patch does not address the consumer needs. Interdisciplinary collaborations can focus efforts to the right applications, bridging the gap between academic research and product relevance, bringing smart textiles into the future.

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is associated with several factors, all of which are related to occupant comfort within buildings. One of the most critical components of the buildings is building façade, which serves as the boundary between the indoor and outdoor environment. This paper presents a systematic review to investigate the application of high-tech materials – also known as smart materials in both transparent and opaque elements of building facades. To achieve the objectives of this study, we developed a structured systematic review to identify the relevant studies. Using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 157 records were identified as relevant studies. These studies were then classified based on their focus on IEQ factors, including thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ). In the next step, details of research methodologies used in the reviewed studies – such as the simulation software employed – were reported. Furthermore, the total number of studies that applied smart materials to different parts of the building façade was presented, distinguishing between passive and active technologies. Finally, the impacts of these materials on overall energy consumption, heating demand, and cooling demand were discussed. Among passive measures, low-emissivity (low-E) windows were identified as effective in reducing total energy use, heating load, and cooling load. For active measures, photovoltaic (PV) systems in both transparent and opaque façade elements, as along with electrochromic (EC) windows, were found to significantly reduce total energy consumption as well as heating and cooling demands. • Application of smart materials in different parts of building façade was assessed. • Impacts of various smart materials on energy use in different buildings were shown. • Phase change materials showed high energy-saving potential in various façade elements. • Photovoltachromic windows reduced energy consumption effectively in various climates.

Smart materials are upcoming in many industries due to their unique properties and wide range of applicability. These materials have the potential to transform traditional engineering practices by enabling the development of more efficient, adaptive, and responsive systems. However, smart materials are characterized by nonlinear behaviour and complex constitutive models, posing challenges in modelling and simulation. Therefore, understanding their mechanical properties is crucial for model-based design. This review aims for advancements in numerically implementing various smart materials, especially focusing on their nonlinear deformation behaviours. Different mechanisms and functionalities, classification, constitutive models and applications of smart materials were analyzed. In addition, different numerical approaches for modelling across scales were investigated. This review also explored the strategies and implementations for mechanically intelligent structures using smart materials. In conclusion, the potential model-based design methodology for the multiple smart material-based structures is proposed, which provides guidance for the future development of mechanically intelligent structures in industrial applications.

Electrochromic materials, prized for their energy efficiency and environmental adaptability, have drawn significant research attention toward energy conservation and sustainability. Conversely, traditional photocured gels face challenges such as high equipment requirements, toxic photoinitiators, and intricate preparation processes. In response, this research develops a facile method for preparing photocured conductive hydrogels, employing tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3 ) as non‐toxic photoinitiators, such as reliance on UV equipment and toxic photoinitiators. WO 3 and MoO 3 synergistically enhance the photo‐response and curing speed, enabling rapid solidification into a conductive hydrogel under sunlight within 3 min. The resulting hydrogel demonstrates remarkable mechanical properties, including 400% elongation, self‐healing capabilities (restored conductivity within 5 min), and good water–retention, showcasing excellent performance in flexible electrochromic devices and stress sensors. The present study delves into the gel's curing mechanism, electrical and mechanical properties, and self‐healing capability, inspiring future applications in electronic devices, flexible circuits, and smart materials.

Advances in the application of smart materials in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.

Responsive principles and applications of smart materials in biosensing

Smart materials for biomimetic building envelopes: current trends and potential applications

Smart actuators that can convert external energy stimuli into mechanical energy output have great potential in industrial, biomedical, and military applications. However, the existed disadvantage such as complex fabrication process, single stimulus source, and the requirement of artificial energy restrict their further development. Herein, a MXene/polyethylene (PE)‐based soft actuator with multistimulus response and the ability to be driven by natural sunlight and human humidity is proposed through a simple method. Owing to the excellent electrical conductivity, high photothermal conversion capability, and surface hydrophilicity of MXene, the MXene/PE actuator exhibits rapid and large bending deformation in response to external multistimuli such as light, electricity, heat, and humidity. Owing to the simple preparation, and anisotropic, tailorable and programmable properties of the MXene/PE actuator, a soft robot that can crawl directionally under light conditions is constructed. In addition, based on the high sensitivity response of the actuator to light and humidity, smart clothing that can generate reversible bending deformation under natural sunlight as well as sweat conditions is developed. These results provide a new inspiration for the design of high‐performance soft actuators with multistimulus response, and demonstrate the potential applications of the MXene/PE actuators in smart devices, bionic robots, and wearable clothing.

With the deepening of human exploration of the Earth, more and more survey tasks are being carried out in unstructured environments. Biomimetic robots that can replace humans in completing related tasks under harsh conditions have gradually become a hot topic in robot development. Therefore, developing a biomimetic robot with a wide range of activities, strong mobility, excellent obstacle crossing ability, and rapid avoidance response has important theoretical research significance and broad application prospects. This paper focuses on frogs as the research object,research is conducted from the perspective of institutional design, aiming to design a frog like jumping robot with strong obstacle crossing ability and good environmental adaptability. In terms of overall structural design, a M-shaped structure based on linear bearings was proposed to ensure the stability of the robot during takeoff and landing; In terms of leg structure design, C-shaped flexible springs are used to integrate the calf, ankle joint, and foot into one, which can play a buffering role when the robot lands; In terms of transmission structure design, Propose to control the compression cycle of the jumping leg through a cam to achieve continuous jumping of the robot. The relevant research results indicate that the structural principle of the designed frog like jumping robot is correct, and the jumping effect is relatively good.For the sake of ideals, this paper provides a certain theoretical basis and basis for further research on bionic jumping robots.

Nowadays, robots can be considered as a symbol of advancement of internet and the multi-link robots represent interesting reference systems among various kinds of robots. 4-links robots can be obviously thought as a symbol of muti-robots and bionic robots owing to it takes inspiration of humans body parts, foot, leg, thigh, and torso, consisting of four links [1]. The technology of 4-links robot is still in its infancy. At the same time, the invention of hybrid robots gets more recognition and widely applied. Thus, it is necessary to analyze and optimize 4-link robots, to contribute to the progress in bionic robots and provide convenience for human life systematically and further. This report studies stimulation method of muti-links robots, which combines spring-mass robots and 4- links planar robots as a kind of hybrid robots and aims to conclude the relationships between springs and length per step, mass distribution and increase energy efficiency.