Facilitating Interskin Communication in Artificial Polymer Systems through Liquid Transfer

Abstract

Chemical communication is a ubiquitous process in nature, and it has sparked interest in the development of electric-sense-based robotic perception systems with chemical components. Here, a novel liquid crystal polymer is introduced that combines the transferring, receiving, and sensing of chemical signals, providing a new principle to achieve chemical communication in robotic systems. This approach allows for the transfer of cargo between two polymer coatings, and the transfer can be monitored through an electrical signal. Additionally, cascade transfer can be achieved through this approach, as the transfer of cargo is not limited to only two coatings, but can continue from the second to a third coating. Furthermore, the two coatings can be infused with different reagents, and upon exchange, a reaction takes place to generate the desired species. The novel method of chemical communication that is developed presents a notable improvement in embodied perception. This advancement facilitates human–robot and robot–robot interactions and enhances the ability of robots to efficiently and accurately perform complex tasks in their environment.