Molecularly Directed, Geometrically Latched, Impulsive Actuation Powers Sub‐Gram Scale Motility

Abstract Transversely curved composite shells of liquid crystal elastomer and polyethylene terephthalate with innervated electrodes present millisecond‐scale actuation ≈200 mW electrical power inputs at low voltages (≈1 V). The molecular orientation is aligned to direct the thermomechanical work‐content evert native curvature. When powered, structure initially remains latent builds up strain energy. Thereafter, work content released in an ms‐scale impulse. thin‐film actuators are powered against opposing loads perform 10 −5 J work. High speed imaging reveals tip velocities several 100 mm s −1 powers approaching −4 . design eschews bistability. After snap‐through, when off, actuator spontaneously resets its state. profiles functions geometry pulse patterns. latency reduced by powering pulses that trigger allow reset state, but prevent cooling ambient before subsequent cycles. harnessed sub‐gram scale robots, including water‐strider mimicking configurations steerable robots can navigate on compliant (sand) hard (slippery) surfaces. A viable template for impulsive using frugal emerges.