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WG4 · Move

Chemo-mechanical coupling in soft matter.

WG4 · Aim

Chemo-mechanical coupling in soft matter

Develop soft actuators whose motion is controlled by chemical feedback. Designing for feedback lets simpler actuators perform richer, directional motion in time and space through chemo-mechanical and mechano-chemical coupling.

hydrogel actuators · liquid-crystalline elastomers · self-regulation · homeostasis · non-reciprocal and directional motion

Tasks

  • T4.1 Join soft robotics, materials science, systems chemistry and sensors
  • T4.2 Train on device fabrication and modelling of feedback mechanisms
  • T4.3 Co-design devices and solutions with designers and makers

WG leader: elected at the kick-off meeting on 1 November 2026.

Deliverables

What WG4 delivers

Due dates count from the kick-off on 1 November 2026.

DeliverableTitleMonthDue
D4.1Preliminary roadmap reportM9Jul 2027
D4.2Training input for the summer training schoolM18Apr 2028
D4.3Workshop materials on chemo-mechanical feedbackM21Jul 2028
D4.4Training input for the winter training schoolM36Oct 2029
D4.5Prototypes of materials capable of decision makingM42Apr 2030
D4.6Workshop materials on theoretical modellingM45Jul 2030
D4.7Final review on chemo-mechanical control in intelligent materialsM48Oct 2030