A groundbreaking soft-bodied robot, dubbed the Robotopillar, has emerged from a collaboration between engineers at Princeton and North Carolina State universities. Departing from the conventional rigid actuators used in soft-bodied robots, this innovative creation utilizes collapsible origami segments to achieve movement, effectively navigating its environment with a unique caterpillar-inspired design.
The Robotopillar’s modular structure consists of magnetically linked segments that can separate and move independently or remain connected in a caterpillar-like formation. Each cylindrical segment is encased in PET skin featuring a Kresling-type origami folding pattern, enabling it to transition between a flat disc and a cylinder.
The key to the Robotopillar’s movement lies in the integration of thin control strips made of liquid crystal elastomer and polyimide along the fold lines of the origami pattern. When an electrical current is applied to a network of silver nanowires on these strips, they heat up, inducing a differential response in the materials: the elastomer shrinks while the polyimide expands, causing the segment to twist into a disc shape. Once the current is turned off, the segment returns to its cylindrical form. This mechanism allows for precise control over the robot’s motion, facilitating forward, backward, and directional movement.
Moreover, by activating the nanowire heater strip on one side of a segment, it selectively contracts, enabling the Robotopillar to curve and maneuver in a desired direction. This capability enhances its agility and adaptability in navigating complex environments.
Led by Princeton postdoctoral researcher Tuo Zhao, the research has been published in the esteemed journal PNAS. Ongoing efforts by the scientists aim to refine the technology, improving the speed and maneuverability of the Robotopillar. These endeavors open doors for its utilization in various fields, including disaster relief operations, planetary exploration, and other demanding environments where its distinct soft-bodied design provides significant benefits.
The Robotopillar’s mesmerizing movement can be witnessed in action through a video available on Vimeo, showcasing the promising capabilities of this innovative soft robotics platform.
