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Higher order hierarchical wrinkle patterns may extend the functionalities and enable new capabilities in the devices created, but current transfer‐based methods are often complex and tedious. This work develops a transfer‐free method to generate hierarchical wrinkle patterns in MXene thin films via controlled deflation of a latex balloon substrate by exploiting its thermal‐elastic properties. This work generates four different wrinkle patterns with varying strain sensitivity: 2D (GF = 0.593), 1D1D (GF = 0.0979), 2D1D (GF = 0.0165), and 2D2D (GF = 0.545). Taking advantage of the small strain response exhibited by the 2D1D electrode, this work fabricates stretchable stain‐insensitive contact sensors where its behavior can be tuned by varying the thickness of the spacer. When the spacer is 0.16 mm thick, the sensor is observed to have a pressure sensitivity of 0.0922, 0.109, and 0.112 kPa−1 at 0%, 25% and 50% stretching states respectively at pressures of <2500 Pa. When the spacer is 0.32 mm thick, the sensor is observed to have a pressure sensitivity of 0.154, 0.185, and 0.233 kPa−1 under 0%, 25% and 50% strain respectively between the pressure range of 2900–5200 Pa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetically responsive elastomers generate continuous motions and locomotion through changes in external magnetic fields. The magnetic particles in an elastomer achieve shape‐morphing, but overall structural integrity can be limited by the compliance of elastomers. To overcome this limitation, magnetic elastomers are enhanced with programmable template creases to generate deployable structures as a library. Current methods to program magnetic domains into actuatable segments use sequential or continuous rasterized magnetization, which is gradual and requires dedicated equipment. To achieve faster magnetic domain programming, template folding for the magnetization process is explored. The crease pattern can reconfigure facets to attain the desired magnetization direction and act as discrete mechanical joints. Crease patterns from the foldable templates allow more variations in robotic kinematics and discretize the deformations. The approach using magnetic elastomers and folding templates as a library can simultaneously program a wide range of deployable mechanisms with inherent crease foldability. Additionally, magnetic responsive robots can encompass bistable actuation imparted from the crease design. Functionalization of magnetic origami structures is demonstrated by imbuing the template material with catalytic properties. These robots have the potential to be deployed from a compact folded form to confined environments, enabling a broader spectrum of minimally invasive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconfigurable structures can perform multiple functions and are useful in confined environments with complicated access. To extend the complexity of configurations achievable with reconfigurable mechanisms, remotely reconfigurable mechanisms are explored. Magnetically responsive phase change materials are selected for actuation, and origami backbones as the structure. Modulating the mechanism's coupling and constraints, multiple configurations are achieved. Three functional aspects of in situ reconfiguration are demonstrated. First, selective attachment and actuation enable remote mechanisms to deploy and actuate. Second, reconfiguration that modifies the constraints allows for new kinematics even in confined environments. Third, the actuator can construct and change the configuration of an origami structure, allowing subsequent functions to emerge. Tetherless interface reconfiguration is demonstrated with an in situ needle puncture and escape room puzzle, which can benefit existing robotic applications in confined spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]