Abstract
We have demonstrated (1) a digital pressure control scheme that can be readily automated and programmed, and (2) a 3D fabrication and integration scheme that can realize programmable automation of soft robotics and microfluidics. A 3D composite structure is utilized to yield a steady flow, whose pressure is set by a serial D/A converter and switched between levels on demand. The resolution of the digital controllers is about 1 kPa, while the switching time between levels can be less than 0.1 seconds. The miniature pressure controllers can outperform and replace their bulky/costly counterparts, and sophisticated automation could be achieved.