2026/01/04 by Cheng Zhou, Zhoutao Li, Hailong Wei +9 · 1 voice
Engineering · #Dielectric materials and actuators #Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Robotics #Soft Robotics and Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s40820-025-01969-w
openalex created_date 2026/01/04 · openalex publication_date 2026/01/04 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Soft actuators, capable of producing mechanical work in response to external stimuli, have potential applications in robotics and exoskeletons. However, they face major challenges related to energy supply, especially in long-distance and miniaturized environments. Fuel-driven actuators offer a promising solution by enabling the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical energy, supporting self-sustaining operations. Chemical energy from fuel can be converted into mechanical energy either directly or indirectly through methods such as electron transfer-induced charge injection, structural changes, fuel-to-electricity conversion, fuel combustion-induced heat, or fuel-induced pneumatic actuation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in fuel-powered actuators, covering their fundamental principles, advancements, and challenges. It concludes with an outlook for miniaturized and autonomous robots, highlighting the great potential of integrating fuel-powered actuators.