Abstract Soft actuators are critical for enabling soft robots, medical devices, and haptic systems. Many soft actuators, however, require power to hold a configuration and rely on hard circuitry for control, limiting their potential applications. In this work, the first soft electromagnetic system is demonstrated for externally‐controlled bistable actuation or self‐regulated astable oscillation. This novel bellows‐shaped actuator uses liquid metal encased in silicone as a compliant conductor that is capable of force generation, integrated sensing, and self‐reconnecting. In the bistable configuration, the actuator can hold positions with no power. By utilizing a unique soft kinking mechanism, the actuator can generate feedback for self‐regulated oscillation. The construction, sensing, and feedback mechanisms for this actuator are first discussed. Then, the force output, thermal performance, and dynamics are characterized. The bistable version has a stroke of 6 mm and can compress/expand with only 15 W of power for 30 ms. The astable version has a stroke of 3 mm and can oscillate at 27 Hz with 18 W of power. Several applications are demonstrated including bistable crawling, hopping, pulsing, and swimming. By adding a 20 V battery, self‐regulated astable vibrational locomotion is also demonstrated. Overall, this work shows how these actuators and oscillators can bridge the gap between conventional and soft robots.

Noah D. Kohls

Yi Chen Mazumdar

Advanced Materials Technologies

先进材料技术先进材料技术是所有与技术相关的材料应用研究的新家，特别关注先进的设备设计、制造和集成，以及基于新型材料的新技术。它弥合了基础实验室研究与工业之间的差距。

Advanced Materials Technologies is an emerging journal focused on research related to the application of materials in technology, with a particular emphasis on the design, manufacturing, and integration of advanced equipment, as well as new technologies based on novel materials. The journal aims to bridge the gap between fundamental laboratory research and industrial applications.

《Advanced Materials Technologies》是一个专注于与技术相关的材料应用研究的新兴期刊，特别关注先进设备的设计、制造和集成，以及基于新型材料的新技术。该期刊旨在弥合基础实验室研究与工业应用之间的差距。

Category	Quartile
材料科学	3
材料科学, 材料科学综合	3

Soft Electromagnetic Actuator and Oscillator

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
MATERIALS SCIENCE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY	1