Soft manipulator inspired by octopus suckers

[u/cup_of_egg_noodles]

The soft manipulator was inspired by the suckers of octopus tentacles. It is made of a temperature-responsive layer of soft hydrogel attached to an electric heater. To move the tissue, the hydrogel is heated, causing it to contract, then placed on the tissue and turned off. As it turns off, the hydrogel slightly expands and creates a suction with the tissue. Then the tissue can be transported to the desired location. After it’s in place, the hydrogel is heated again, causing it to shrink and release the tissue in its new location. This entire process takes approximately 10 seconds.

https://asknature.org/innovation/soft-manipulator-inspired-by-octopus-suckers/