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Breakthrough in Hydrogel Launcher Technology

Introduction to the Fracture-Driven, Power-Amplified Hydrogel Launcher

Mechanical engineers from around the world have introduced a breakthrough in the form of a fracture-driven, power-amplified hydrogel launcher, with their findings featured in Nature Materials.

Robotics and Rapid Propulsion

Challenges in Robotics Propulsion

In robotics, certain tasks demand rapid propulsion, whether it's jumping, ejecting, or catapulting materials from one location to another. These actions are often achieved by designing robots that store energy beforehand and release it, similar to a spring mechanism.

Limitations of Current Propulsion Methods

Many of these robots rely on chemical or elastic energy, which are often constrained by low energy output. In this recent work, the researchers introduced a launcher driven by a novel propulsion source that offers greater energy potential.

Inspiration from Nature

Observations from the Squirting Cucumber Plant

The researchers observed that the squirting cucumber plant uses a rapid liquid vaporization mechanism to expel its seeds when ripe, gradually building up internal pressure before suddenly releasing it to launch the seeds. This inspired them to create a similar system.

Development of the Hydrogel Launcher

Experimentation and Innovation

After considerable experimentation, the team discovered that integrating graphene into a hydrogel disk was the most effective approach. By directing a laser onto the disk, the graphene is heated, which then heats the water trapped within the hydrogel, turning it into steam. A fracture point eventually forms, allowing the steam to escape from the disk's center, causing the disk to rapidly ascend.

Performance and Testing


During their experiments, the disk, with a diameter of 7 mm and a thickness of 3 mm, demonstrated the ability to launch itself up to 1.93 centimeters into the air. The team asserts that it surpassed the performance of all other known launchers or jumpers.

Potential Applications

Deep Tissue Sampling and Smart Seed Beds

The researchers believe that their launcher could be applied to multiple domains, including deep tissue sampling. They demonstrated its capability by fixing the launcher in place and allowing the steam to propel seeds with integrated RFID devices into the soil, forming a smart seed bed.

Future Possibilities in Ballistic Weapons

Additionally, they speculate that larger versions could be adapted for use in ballistic weapons.

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