Smart tissue has appeared that changes its shape

Robotic tissues typically work in conjunction with bulky external machines that modulate

air pressure inside them to forcetissue move or change shape. Because this may limit their potential applications, a team of researchers from the Harvard Institute presented a soft, textile-based robot that can regulate itself.

Researchers from harvard institutedeveloped a robotic fabric called Smart Thermally Actuating Textiles (STATs), which consists of hermetically sealed bags containing Novec 7000 engineering fluid. When heated, the fluid evaporates, which changes the shape of the fabric. But when it cools, it condenses back into the liquid, thereby reducing tissue.

To get rid of an external device thatregulates the shape of the fabric, the researchers weaved electrically conductive silvered threads into the material. They serve as heating and sensory elements of smart tissue, allowing you to change the temperature and pressure needed to turn liquids into steam and vice versa.

Scientists say they can produce tissuemassively and with any shape, which gives a wide range of applications. It can be used, for example, in mechanotherapeutic wear-resistant materials, which  accelerate tissue restoration. The researchers also propose incorporating it into responsive pillows so people with disabilities can customize them.

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