Unleashing the Future Potential of 4D Printing: Exploring Applications in Wearable Technology, Robotics, Energy, Transportation, and Fashion

1. Introduction

Additive manufacturing has experienced significant advancements, with 3D printing revolutionizing industries and fostering creativity. However, 4D printing is emerging, offering unprecedented fabrication possibilities by adding the fourth dimension of time, enabling objects to self-transform and adapt to different conditions. 4D printing is a new technology that enhances 3D printing by introducing time into the manufacturing process. It involves creating objects or materials that can change shape, properties, or functionality due to stimuli like heat, moisture, light, or mechanical forces. 4D refers to the spatial dimensions (length, width, and height) plus the temporal dimension. 4D printing relies on smart materials, also known as programmable or shape-memory materials, which can transform when exposed to external triggers like temperature, humidity, pH, or electric current. By integrating these materials into 3D-printed structures, researchers and engineers can create dynamic objects that self-assemble, repair, or adapt to changing conditions (Kantaros et al., 2023; Ntouanoglou et al., 2018).

4D printing involves creating a CAD model, translating it into digital instructions for 3D printers to deposit layers of material, typically polymers or composites, to build structures. The key difference from traditional 3D printing is the careful selection and integration of smart materials. 3D-printed objects undergo post-processing, where they are exposed to a trigger that activates smart materials' shape-changing properties. This activation causes the object to deform, morph, or reconfigure into its final shape, either instantaneously or gradually, depending on the materials and triggering mechanism. 4D printing has numerous applications across various industries, including wearable technology, robotics, energy systems, transportation, and fashion and design. It allows for self-adapting and self-repairing mechanisms in garments, enabling robots to navigate complex environments and perform intricate tasks. Energy systems optimize efficiency and adapt to varying conditions, while transportation is revolutionized by adaptive components. Fashion and design industries can explore new avenues of creativity and personalization by incorporating dynamic elements into clothing and accessories (Pacillo et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2019).

4D printing technology is still in its early stages, but research and development efforts are advancing its capabilities and potential applications. This innovative approach holds immense potential for various industries, including wearable technology, robotics, energy, transportation, and fashion. By harnessing the dynamic capabilities of 4D printing, we can create smart materials and devices that revolutionize technology interactions, energy efficiency, transportation systems, and fashion and design. 4D printing advancements in wearable technology offer enhanced comfort and functionality by enabling garments to automatically adjust to the wearer's body. The integration of sensors and electronics in wearables can enable real-time monitoring of vital signs, movement tracking, and gesture recognition, opening new avenues in healthcare, sports, and augmented reality. In robotics, 4D printing allows for self-assembling structures and mechanisms that can adapt and reconfigure in response to changing environments, revolutionizing the development of complex robots capable of navigating terrains, performing tasks, and even repairing themselves. This flexibility and versatility have the potential to revolutionize industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and exploration (Kuang et al., 2019; Raina et al., 2021).