Danqing Liu from Eindhoven University of Technology has developed an innovative artificial hand that reproduces human gestures using memory encoded in light-responsive polymers. This groundbreaking research was published on July 10, 2026, in the journals Science Advances and Matter & Light.
Liu's team, which includes researchers Pengrong Lyu and Sam Weima, focuses on enhancing interactions with digital systems through tactile feedback. The research aims to incorporate human-like sensations into the digital realm, bridging the gap between technology and natural human movements.
Innovative soft electronics with memory
In their Science Advances paper, Liu and her team introduced a novel azobenzene-functionalized liquid crystal polymer (LCP) device capable of storing information in its molecular state. This allows light to write and erase memory, while electrical signals prompt movement.
The researchers demonstrated that the LCP can learn simple classification tasks and utilize this learned state to control the artificial hand, achieving movements that closely mimic natural human motor skills. Liu emphasized the significance of this technology, stating, "My goal is to add human feelings to the digital world." This integration of soft materials into robotics represents a significant advancement at the intersection of multiple disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and design.
Coordinated movement through light control
In their other publication in Matter & Light, Liu's team, which includes Duygu Polat and Mert Astam, explained their successful coordination of LCP movements using light. The polymers work collectively due to flexible connections that allow them to transfer movement and forces without the need for cables or a central control system.
This innovative design principle could pave the way for the development of autonomous soft robots capable of self-coordination. Liu remarked, "The different LCPs work together effectively because they transfer movement and forces to one another through flexible connections." This collaborative motion is essential for creating advanced robotic systems that can operate more naturally.
Future applications bridging virtual and physical worlds
Liu envisions numerous applications that merge virtual and physical experiences. One potential use is a device that allows users to physically feel sensations from virtual or augmented reality, which could address mental health challenges. Another application under development is an interactive steering wheel that provides tactile feedback to enhance driver navigation.
To further this research, Liu plans to collaborate with Waseda University in Japan on an automotive haptics project, supported by a grant she received earlier this year. The integration of expertise from various scientific fields is crucial for bringing these technologies to fruition, a challenge Liu is eager to embrace.
Reflecting on her recent publications, Liu sees them as recognition of her team's efforts. She hopes that increased visibility will attract interest from the broader scientific community and facilitate the transition from fundamental research to practical applications. "What makes this research unique is that we translate scientific results into practical applications in which digital systems provide tactile feedback," Liu concluded.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Phys.org. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
