Flexible Robotic Sheet Adapts to Terrain, Grasps Objects Using Sensors
- tech360.tv
- Aug 26, 2025
- 2 min read
A flexible robotic sheet, capable of grasping objects and moving across surfaces, has been developed by researchers. Jung Kim, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, led the team behind this advancement.
This new technology, published in Nature Communications, could improve autonomous systems. It is envisioned for applications in exploration, haptic displays, and smart health care.
The team engineered the robotic folding sheet from densely distributed heat-sensitive electrical elements. These elements allow the sheet to change shape when exposed to heat.
Researchers demonstrated the approach with a 40 cm² sheet comprising 308 resistors. These resistors function as both heaters and sensors.
The dual functionality of the resistors enables precise control of movement. The system continuously adjusts based on feedback from its own sensors.
The robotic sheet's dexterity was shown through crawling across a surface. It also demonstrated the grasping and lifting of various items, including a petri dish, plastic packaging, and a wooden stick.
Kim and co-authors reported that the system achieves folding angles between -87° and 109°. It maintained consistent performance across temperatures ranging from 30°C to 170°C.
The system can respond quickly and accurately to environmental changes. This responsiveness helps to increase stability and efficiency.
The authors suggest this programmable folding sheet can improve the versatility and adaptability of autonomous systems. This could allow them to function more effectively on unpredictable terrain.
Further advances in material technology and structural design are needed to fully harness the technology's potential.
A flexible robotic sheet was developed by Jung Kim and a team at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
The sheet uses heat-sensitive electrical elements that act as both heaters and sensors, allowing it to change shape.
It demonstrated the ability to crawl across surfaces and grasp various objects.
Source: TECHXPLORE
