Progress in Soft Robotics: Robot Overcomes Complex Obstacles
Researchers who initially engineered a soft robot capable of maneuvering through basic mazes without external guidance have extended their innovation. They’ve created a “brainless” soft robot to navigate more intricate and dynamic environments.
This new soft robot relies on physical intelligence, where its actions are governed by its structural design and materials rather than a computer or human intervention. This concept represents a significant leap in the field of dynamic objects like soft robots.
Ribbon-Like Structure
The soft robots are constructed using ribbon-like liquid crystal elastomers. When placed on a surface hotter than the ambient air (at least 55 degrees Celsius or 131 degrees Fahrenheit), the portion in contact with the surface contracts, propelling the robot into a rolling motion. The higher the temperature of the surface, the faster the robot rolls.
Unlike the previous symmetrical design, the new soft robot is divided into two halves. One half resembles a straight extended ribbon, while the other half forms a more tightly twisted ribbon resembling a spiral staircase. This asymmetry exerts varying forces on the ground, causing the robot to turn without encountering obstacles.
Efficient Navigation
The asymmetrical soft robot can navigate intricate mazes, including those with moving walls, and pass through spaces narrower than its body. It avoids getting stuck between parallel objects by moving in arcs, allowing it to “wiggle” its way out.
The researchers tested the robot on metal surfaces and sand, demonstrating its adaptability and efficiency in various settings.
Harnessing Heat Energy
The development of this innovative soft robot design also opens up possibilities for applications where soft robots can harvest heat energy from their surroundings.
This research received support from the National Science Foundation through multiple grants, highlighting its significance in advancing soft robot technology.
Read the original article on Science daily.
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