Herein are summarized recent trends in the use of hydrogels in robotics, electronics, actuators, and sensors. Two major gaps that limit the application of hydrogels in these fields are discussed, including hydrogels' inherent mechanical weaknesses and poor durability. Possible solutions to these problems include the introduction of self‐healing and the integration of biology inspired reinforcement mechanisms into synthetic systems. Enhancing hydrogels' water retention and interface bonding with other types of solid materials (such as glass, ceramics, metals, and elastomers) are also discussed. Addressing these latter issues is critical to the integration of hydrogels with other components in soft devices. It is argued that rapid, self‐healing, and mechanically strong biomimetic hydrogels will be an important material for the future. Realizing this goal will lead to new kinds of soft materials, new families of hydrogel‐based devices, and exciting new applications.

中文翻译：

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超越传统应用程序？水凝胶的潜力

本文总结了在机器人技术，电子技术，致动器和传感器中使用水凝胶的最新趋势。讨论了限制水凝胶在这些领域中应用的两个主要差距，包括水凝胶固有的机械弱点和较差的耐久性。这些问题的可能解决方案包括引入自我修复功能以及将受生物学启发的增强机制整合到合成系统中。还讨论了增强水凝胶的保水性和与其他类型的固体材料（例如玻璃，陶瓷，金属和弹性体）的界面结合。解决后一个问题对于将水凝胶与软设备中的其他组件集成在一起至关重要。有人认为，快速，自愈和机械强度强的仿生水凝胶将是未来的重要材料。