A research team led by Moon Hong Chul, a professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, has developed a capturing material for soft robots inspired by the Venus flytrap. iClickArt (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the photo above are prohibited under copyright law.)

By Koh Hyunjeong

A domestic research team has developed an innovative soft robotic material that acts like a Venus flytrap in autonomously detecting approaching objects and snapping shut in response to light.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on Sept. 30 said the team led by Moon Hong Chul, an associate professor at KAIST's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, developed an Ionograsper, an ionic polymer material that integrates sensing and actuation (movement) functions into a single unit.

This material is designed to independently detect the approach of a charged object and instantly bend to grasp it after exposure to ultraviolet light. Since this material can both sense and manipulate objects, it offers the potential to reduce the number of components and wiring required for soft robots.

The material maintained its deformed shape for over 10 minutes even after the ultraviolet light was turned off, removing the need to continuously shine light on it to maintain its grip on an object.

The researchers plan follow-up studies to improve the material's object detection range, movement speed and durability after repeated use, as well as enable operation using visible or near-infrared light.

hjkoh@korea.kr