Periodic Reporting for period 2 - STORM-BOTS (Soft and Tangible Organic Responsive Materials progressing roBOTic functionS)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-02-01 al 2025-01-31
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.
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.
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.