Harnessing Protein-Based Motors and Liquid Crystal Networks for Bioinspired Locomotion Control of Small-Scale Soft Robots

The miniaturization of untethered robots poses new challenges in powering, actuation, and control since traditional electro-mechanical mechanisms are not applicable due to their inherent size and weight limitations. While different strategies based on different stimuli have been developed, there is a rising need for new biocompatible methodologies to power and control small-scale robots. Inspired by the surface locomotion of aquatic insects, we propose the use of structural proteins as a porous matrix for the development of surface tension-propelled micromotors. These protein motors can change their nanostructure and nano-porosity to regulate the diffusion of chemical fuel and thus regulate the propulsion. We integrated these protein motors into photomechanical liquid crystal networks to provide steering control via bending and surface deformation, mimicking the posture change of swimming insects. We demonstrated diverse locomotion control and active direction transition in milli swimmers across length scales. This new strategy offers orthogonal power and control solutions for autonomous swimming soft robots.