Agile Soft Robot Uses Electric Fields for Shapeshifting Movement
- tech360.tv
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Researchers have developed an agile, shapeshifting soft robot capable of clever movement, demonstrating amorphous characteristics. The unique soft morphing creation, developed by the University of Bristol and Queen Mary University of London, is more adaptable than existing soft robots.
This electro-morphing gel, jelly-like humanoid gymnast can move from one place to another using its flexible body and limbs, as showcased in a study published in the journal Advanced Materials.
The robot utilises a material called electro-morphing gel, or e-MG, which enables shapeshifting functions. This allows it to bend, stretch, and move in previously difficult or impossible ways.
These movements are achieved through the manipulation of electric fields emanating from ultralightweight electrodes.
Study lead author Ciqun Xu, a research associate at the University of Bristol School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, described soft robotics as an exciting and rapidly advancing field. He stated that the e-MG robot marks a breakthrough paving the way for further progress in soft robotics.
Soft robots expand the possibilities of conventional rigid robotics with their unique transformability and adaptability. They offer novel solutions across industry, wearables, and health care.
Existing soft robots, however, face limitations regarding response time, complex shape changes, and independent manipulation.
The study demonstrated robots capable of large-scale deformation and movement, exhibiting multiple and complex morphing behaviours. These capabilities exceed the limits of existing robots.
This contrasts with previous magnetic microrobots, which required heavy, bulky, and expensive electromagnets.
Robots are often designed to carry out a specific task to a high degree of specialisation. The e-MG robot's adaptability and consistent performance across 10,000 actuation cycles signify a step towards next-generation smart robots.
Constructed from a soft polymer composite with nanocrystalline conductors, the e-MG robot can be remotely manipulated by electric fields. This allows for a high level of control and body morphing.
The e-MG robot's geometry can be tailored for specific application scenarios. As demonstrated in the video, the jelly-like humanoid gymnast with an agile body and active limbs is capable of swinging along the ceiling for locomotion.
The e-MG can also be paired with rigid, traditional robotics or machine parts. This allows for hybrid constructions tailored to complex tasks and environments.
Xu added that soft robotics has broad and exciting potential applications. These include space exploration, wearable devices, and health care, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
He noted that the adaptability of the e-MG robot and future soft robots can provide a diverse range of tools for situations where traditional robots are not suitable.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Queen Mary University of London developed a new soft robot.
The robot uses an electro-morphing gel (e-MG) material and electric fields to change shape and move.
It demonstrates large-scale deformation, complex morphing behaviours, and consistent performance over 10,000 actuation cycles.
Source: TECHXPLORE