Figure 1
From: Remotely Triggered Locomotion of Hydrogel Mag-bots in Confined Spaces
Particle motion and bio-inspiration (a) Schematic showing the crawling motion of a common maggot. Locomotion relies on two features: 1. actuation, via the periodic extension-contraction of the maggot’s body and 2. Symmetry breaking resulting from the ratchet-like patterns on its skin. (b) Active particles can be made following similar mechanisms when fabricated with a temperature-sensitive NiPAAm hydrogel loaded with magnetic nano-particles. Motion can be generated by remotely heating the particle with a magnetic field, inducing a swelling-deswelling motion, reminiscent of that of maggots. Symmetry breaking can then be achieved by coating the substrate with scale-like features.
