Design and application of rigid and soft piezoelectric ceramics for precision and adaptive robotic systems

Abstract

Piezoelectric ceramics are pivotal in advancing robotics, especially in miniaturized piezoelectric robots (MPRs), due to theircapability to transform electrical signals into mechanical motion. This study explores the classification of piezoelectric ceramicsinto rigid and soft variants, emphasizing their distinct roles in robotic applications. Rigid ceramics, such as lead zirconatetitanate (PZT), are renowned for their superior piezoelectric coefficients, precision, and durability, with advancements inadditive manufacturing enabling complex geometries and multifunctionality. Conversely, soft piezoelectric materials, includingpolyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and macrofiber composites (MFCs), are tailored for applications requiring flexibility and largedeformation capabilities, excelling in biomimetic and adaptive robotic systems. The integration of rigid and soft piezoelectricceramics offers a pathway for hybrid systems that capitalize on the precision of rigid materials and the adaptability ofsoft ones, fostering innovative designs and sustainable material strategies in robotics. This work provides a comprehensiveanalysis of material properties, fabrication techniques, and application potential, underscoring their transformative role inthe evolution of robotics.