Abstract Hydrogels are biocompatible soft materials that resemble biological tissues more than any other material. However, the use of these systems in robotics has been limited to aqueous environments. In work published date, hydrogels have relied on external water swell or shrink response stimuli and, therefore, actuate macroscopically. reported here, this limitation is overcome by synthesizing a novel type electroactive capable actuating when low electric field applied, even outside...

In recent times, there has been an increased use of software and computational models in Medicinal Chemistry, both for the prediction effects such as drug-target interactions, well development (Quantitative) Structure-Activity Relationships ((Q)SAR). Whilst ultimate goal Chemistry research is discovery new drug candidates, a secondary yet important outcome that results creation tools. The adoption tools by medicinal chemists sadly, all too often accompanied, lack understanding legal aspects...

The use of numerical parameters in Complex Network analysis is expanding to new fields application. At a molecular level, we can them describe the structure chemical entities, protein interactions, or metabolic networks. However, applications are not restricted world molecules and be extended study macroscopic nonliving systems, organisms, even legal social On other hand, development field Artificial Intelligence has led formulation computational algorithms whose design based on functioning...

The theory of compressed sensing (CS) shows that signals can be acquired at sub-Nyquist rates if they are sufficiently sparse or compressible. Since many images bear this property, several acquisition models have been proposed for optical CS. An interesting approach is random convolution (RC). In contrast with single-pixel CS approaches, RC allows the parallel capture visual information on a sensor array as in conventional imaging approaches. Unfortunately, strategy difficult to implement...

The Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) models based on Graph or Network theory are important to represent and predict interesting properties of low-molecular-weight compounds. graph parameters called Topological Indices (TIs) useful link the molecular structure with physicochemical biological properties. However, there have been recent efforts extend these methods study proteins whole proteomes as well. In this case, we in presence Protein/Proteome-Property (QPPR) models, by...

In this paper we present a hydrogel with self-healing capabilities and its application for the development of Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM). Unlike other hydrogels, our material can be used outside aqueous environments does not need any external stimulus to self-heal, which makes it an interesting alternative manufacturing soft robots. First, mechanical properties ability are analyzed. Second, pneumatic muscle based on classic McKibben design but including material. Finally, analyze...

Proprioception is a necessary skill in robots and especially complicated soft robots. It commonly achieved by adding an external complement to the robotic structure that acts as sensor. In this work, we present approach which material itself (a cationic network hydrogel) serves curvature sensor pneumatic bending actuator. The experiments carried out validate use of resistive strain capacity our hydrogel proprioceptive We believe sensing capacity, together with high stretchability...

How good is a tactile sensor for exploration and in-hand object localization? In this paper we propose two methods that address question. The first approach evaluates the usefulness of data from different sensors by means Particle Filter Localization algorithm. second approach, using an Iterative Closed Point algorithm, synergy geometry robotic hands.We prove, both approaches as novelty, complexity does not affect localization performance drastically. particular, demonstrate it possible to...

The increasing interest in soft robotics has led to new designs that exploit the combination of multiple materials, robustness and enhancing performance. However, non-linear materials makes modelling eventual control these highly flexible systems challenging. This article presents a methodology model multi-material pneumatic actuators using finite element analysis (FEA), based on (hyper)elastic constitutive laws fitted experimental material characterisation. Modelling SOFA, FEA software,...

In this work we present the design and application of an active soft fingertip for robotic hands. This is based on a new type hydrogel which has been designed with purpose overcoming some major drawbacks previous hydrogels such as dependency aqueous solutions. Fingertip applications benefit from changes stiffness volume take place in our when electric fields are applied. Theoretical modeling experimental verification properties presented work, showing its potential usability grasping...

The current evolutionary trends in soft robotics try to exploit the capacities of smart materials achieve compact designs with embodied intelligence. In this way, number elements that compose robot can be reduced, as material cover different aspects (e.g., structure and sensorization) all one. This work follows tendency presents a custom-designed hydrogel exhibits two features, self-healing ionic conductivity, used build pneumatic actuator. capability provides actuator's ability self-repair...

Connection mechanisms are crucial in reconfigurable robots. In this work, we present a novel approach, based on the self-healing property of hydrogel synthesized by our group, which allows us to easily attach and detach robotic modules using water as only trigger element. Our connection mechanism does not need external energy work it is reversible soft, being useful for soft modular Tensile, fatigue adhesion tests presented demonstrate mechanical performance mechanism. Two robots,...

Multifunctional materials, such as those with several self-x properties, enable new designs and applications of soft robots. The CN-Hydrogel material incorporates these which have been used separately in previous works for the development sensors actuators. In this work we use all capabilities together to achieve modularity, controllability, durability bending pneumatic particular, self-adhesion modular design fabrication, self-sensing a closed loop control scheme self-healing damage repair....

In this communication we summarized our previous in-depth review (Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2008, Vol. 8, No. 18.) on the legal aspects of use software and computational models Chemoinformatics. An overview relevant international tax issues is also presented.