Origami robot can assume more than 1,000 shapes

Fascination Robotics Origami robot can assume more than 1,000 shapes

2024-08-23 Source: North Carolina State University | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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In our "Fascination Robotics" section, we present to you once a month exceptional robots. Today: an origami-inspired robot that can change its shape.

The origami robot can assume more than 1,000 shapes.(Image: Jie Yin, NC State University) — The origami robot can assume more than 1,000 shapes.
(Image: Jie Yin, NC State University)

More and more robots are being developed for specific requirements in a wide range of industries. But what if a robot could adapt to the requirements? Inspired by the origami paper folding art, engineers from North Carolina State University have now discovered a method whereby a single plastic cube structure can be transformed into over 1,000 shapes using only three active engines. The researchers hope to gain new insights into shape-changing artificial systems that can perform multiple functions and even carry loads.

According to the scientists, one area of application could be in space. Antonio Di Lallo, a postdoctoral researcher at NC State and first author of the paper "Adaptive Hierarchical Origami-Based Metastructures", describes the researchers' thoughts on this as follows: "The robot is modular, so you can send it flat into space and assemble it as a shelter or habitat and then disassemble it again."

The NC State researchers assembled hollow plastic cubes using a 3D printer and put together 36 of them with rotating hinges. With the help of three engines, the cubes could be moved into over 1,000 different structures. These shapes included tunnel-like structures, bridge-like structures, and even multi-story architectures. The robots can also move forward, backward, and sideways. They could even transport a load that is three times as heavy as they are.

In the next step, the researchers want to further improve their origami robot. "We want to create a more robust structure that can carry larger loads," says Yanbin Li, a postdoctoral researcher at NC State and co-author of the paper. The complete study is available on the Nature Communications website.

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