Inchworm walker

Because of the unique photodeformable behavior of LCPs, a variety of soft actuators such as flexible inchworm walkers [34], plastic motors [35] and high-frequency oscillators [36] have been designed. For these soft photo-driven acm-ators based on LCPs, many factors determine the photo-driven behaviors of actuators, including the wavelength, polarization direction and intensity of the light source, and inherent parameters of actuators such as the concentration of azobenzene moieties, the crosslinking density and the molecular arrangement within actuators. Besides, their mechanical properties, conductivity and overall physical attributes should also be taken into consideration for practical applications (see in Fig. 10.2). 

Inchworm walkers Plastic motors High-frequency osciflators... 

Fig. 10.11 a Photograph and b macroscopic stmcture of the inchworm walker device, c Scheme of a ratcheted wood substrate, d The process of creep behavior of the inchworm walker device during cycles of IR on and off. Reproduced with permission from [46]. Copyright 2013... 

---