Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/F022824/1
Title:	Multi-link soft polymer micro-actuators and sensors
Principal Investigator:	Rossiter, Professor JM
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Organisation:	University of Bristol
Scheme:	First Grant Scheme
Starts:	01 October 2008	Ends:	30 June 2012	Value (£):	387,722
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Instrumentation Eng. & Dev. Microsystems Robotics & Autonomy
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 20 Nov 2007 Engineering Science (Components) Panel Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
A new approach to the problem of soft micro-actuators and micro-sensors is proposed, based on the design of new multi-link polymer-ion composite smart mechanisms. The programme of research will develop and study novel soft micro-actuators and micro-sensors that can articulate into complex shapes and can detect complex deformations, features that have previously been impractical. This research will be carried out using state-of-the-art polymer bending actuator materials. Structures and mechanisms in nature, such as beating cilia and soft swimming organisms, will provide the inspiration for this research. Techniques for the design, construction, modelling and control of these new actuator/sensors will also be developed. Applications of this research include fluid control and motivating mechanisms for a lab-on-a-chip, soft catheters and endoscopes, and mechanisms for soft micro-robotics.Strong input will come from collaborations with the Bio-mimetic Control Research Center in RIKEN, the Japanese Institute for Physical and Chemical Research and the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, world leaders in the design and development of new polymer-ion sensor/actuators.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.bris.ac.uk