Soft and Tangible Organic Responsive Materials progressing roBOTic functionS

Project Information

STORM-BOTS

Grant agreement ID: 956150

DOI

10.3030/956150

Project closed

EC signature date 18 August 2020

Start date 1 January 2021

End date 31 January 2025

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 3 459 886,20

EU contribution

€ 3 459 886,20

Coordinated by

AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - STORM-BOTS (Soft and Tangible Organic Responsive Materials progressing roBOTic functionS)

Reporting period: 2023-02-01 to 2025-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Soft responsive materials are driving innovations in robotics, impacting surgery, drug delivery, and smart interfaces. Unlike rigid materials, they can sense and act autonomously. In this scenario, liquid crystal elastomers are receiving an increasing deal of attention as they exhibit large, programmable mechanical deformations in response to different stimuli. Europe has played a leading role in liquid crystal science since its birth. To be at the forefront also tomorrow, STORM-BOTS has aimed at harnessing the full potential of liquid-crystal-based responsive surfaces, soft actuators and smart machines.

Encompassing aspects from chemistry, physics, materials science, advanced manufacturing and robotics, this MSC Action, Soft and Tangible Organic Responsive Materials progressing roBOTic functions (STORM-BOTS), has been training 13 science-educated and engineering-minded young pioneers to advance the state-of-the-art of this exciting research field. STORM-BOTS has relied on academic and non-academic leaders from top research institutions with unique scientific and technical expertise, in order to provide the next generation of scientists and engineers with the best possible research environment for developing new materials and manufacturing tools enabling advanced soft robotic functions. STORM-BOTS has provided early-stage researchers (ESRs) with a transnational, comprehensive, highly integrated, multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral training programme. Through local and network-wide training activities, the fellows have learnt the many faces of this cutting-edge research area, as well as a variety of relevant transferable skills needed for their future careers.

The main scientific goal of the STORM-BOTS project has been the development of an advanced and versatile technology platform, relying on liquid-crystal materials responsive to different stimuli, advanced manufacturing tools as well as theory and modelling, to progress towards new soft robotic functions. The research programme to accomplish this objective has been implemented through 13 ESRs, leading to the creation of soft responsive components and surfaces contributing to further developing robotics and haptics. Moreover, the ultimate goal of STORM-BOTS has been to provide a new generation of highly-skilled scientists with solid multidisciplinary, inter-sectoral and international training in the field of Liquid Crystal-based actuators and robotic systems.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The STORM-BOTS project has successfully fulfilled all the planned training and research objectives, reflecting a highly coordinated effort across academic and non-academic institutions. The 13 ESRs were soon recruited and immersed in a dynamic research environment where they received advanced scientific training in soft robotics and responsive materials and key transferable and soft skills essential for their career development. Throughout the STORM-BOTS project, several network-wide meetings and events have been organized to support both the scientific progress and professional growth of the ESRs. These include a Kick-off meeting, four symposia, a thematic Boot-camp, and a final meeting. A highlight was the open Workshop “LCE-based Soft Robotics: from Materials to Functions” held in Zaragoza, which featured talks from world-renowned experts and showcased ESRs’ work to the broader scientific community. ESRs have actively engaged in a rich training programme that have included the Virtual Journal Club and a voucher-based mentoring scheme for experimental design and data analysis. In addition to these network-wide activities, local training, secondments in other institutions and sectors, and regular evaluations of their Personal Career Development Plans have helped the ESRs to ensure comprehensive and individualized learning paths.

Scientifically, the project has delivered multiple key advances, namely: (i) the development of new liquid-crystal-based materials and their processing into soft robotic components; (ii) the creation of computational and theoretical tools to understand and control LCE actuation; and (iii) the realization of novel designs for responsive robotic devices and surfaces.

Results have been disseminated through a mix of open-access high impact publications, participation in international conferences, and outreach events like the European Researchers’ Night. Communication channels including the project website, social media, and newsletters have broadened outreach and public engagement. The consortium has ensured full visibility of EU funding through proper acknowledgements. Furthermore, the project has identified exploitable results including new software tools, surgical devices, and LCE-based multifunctional actuator. These are the foundation for future innovations in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and adaptive systems. STORM-BOTS has advanced the frontiers of material science and robotics and have trained the next generation of researchers in this field.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

STORM-BOTS has advanced the field of soft robotics by pushing the limits of liquid crystal elastomers. The project has established new knowledge and tools in material design, additive manufacturing, and modelling of complex mechanical responses, enabling autonomous, programmable behaviour in soft actuators. These breakthroughs represent a significant step beyond the current state of the art, allowing robotic functionalities to emerge directly from the materials themselves. By achieving the integration of stimuli-responsiveness, multi-material printing, and real-time actuation modeling, STORM-BOTS opens the door to disruptive technologies in minimally invasive surgery, wearable robotics, bioinspired actuators, and interactive haptic surfaces. Besides fundamental concepts, prototypes on minimally invasive surgery and scalable actuator matrices are currently under active development. Software tools for 3D printing of LCEs with customized deformation profiles have also been released as open-source resources, encouraging further innovation in both academia and industry.

The training program has offered Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) a combination of cross-disciplinary technical education and tailored transferable skills training. ESRs have been equipped to succeed across sectors through different network-wide symposia, local training, and international secondments. Their experience in experimental design, data analysis, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship positions them as highly capable professionals ready to contribute to the knowledge-based economy of Europe.

STORM-BOTS has contributed to several Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), including advanced materials, nanotechnology, and smart manufacturing, aligning with the high-tech European strategy. Particularly the project has developed expertise in 4D printing and soft robotics, promoted Open Science, and shared results through open access and public outreach. The project boosted Europe’s leadership in liquid crystal science and soft robotics, laying the groundwork for long-term impact in healthcare, industry, and education.

1st STORM-BOTS Symposium

STORM-BOTS ESRs-01

STORM-BOTS Workshop

4th STORM-BOTS Symposium

STORM-BOTS Early Stage Researchers

2nd STORM-BOTS Symposium

STORM-BOTS ESRs-02

3rd STORM-BOTS Symposium

STORM-BOTS Boot-camp

STORM-BOTS logo