The objective of the present book, which tries to summarize in an edited format and in a fairly comprehensive manner, many of the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of Smart Actuators and Smart Sensors, is to combine researchers and scientists from different fields into a single virtual room. The book hence reflects the multicultural nature of the field and will allow the reader to taste and appreciate different points of view, different engineering methods and different tools that must be jointly considered when designing and realizing smart actuation and sensing systems.

From authors renowned in the fields of engineering and biology, this is the first book to integrate sensor and actuator technology with bioinspired design. Beginning with detailed descriptions of actuation and sensing mechanisms in plants and animals, the authors move on to apply these principles to synthetic design, offering in-depth knowledge of the development of state-of-the-art smart materials and devices. All of this is supported with a range of real-world applications, from tactile sensory systems in insects linked with the development of robotic hands, to the structural colour systems in nature used to inspire camouflage technology. Further examples are given of successful designs along with their integrated autonomous systems, such as flying and swimming, unmanned systems, and autonomous zero-energy building design. With a wide interdisciplinary appeal, this is an ideal resource for any student, practising engineer, or researcher interested in the connection between natural systems and synthetic design.

The book exhaustively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators from the perspective of organic chemistry. The field of polymeric sensors and actuators is developing very rapidly as newly derived polymer materials are suitable for sensor technology. This book uniquely and comprehensively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators. The author has researched both scientific papers and patents to include all the recent discoveries and applications. Since many chemists may not be very familiar with the physical background as well as how sensors operate, Polymeric Sensors and Actuators includes a general chapter dealing with the overall physics and basic principles of sensors. Complementary chapters on their methods of fabrication as well as the processing of data are included. The actuators sections examine the fields of applications, special designs, and materials. The final chapter is dedicated to liquid crystal displays. The book concludes with four extensive indices including one special one on analytes to allow the practitioner to easily use the text. This comprehensive text examines the following sensor types: Humidity Sensors Biosensors Mechanical Sensors Optical Sensors Surface Plasmon Resonance Test Strips Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Sensors Piezoelectric Sensors Acoustic Wave Sensors Electronic Nose Switchable Polymers

Learn how recent advances are fueling new possibilities in textiles, optics, electronics, and biomedicine! As the field of conjugated, electrically conducting, and electroactive polymers has grown, the Handbook of Conducting Polymers has been there to document and celebrate these changes along the way. Now split into two vo