Soft Humanoid Robot GrowHR Unveiled by SUST Researchers
- tech360.tv
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Researchers at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Shenzhen have unveiled a soft humanoid robot that can change its size and move in various ways. The robot, named GrowHR, can squeeze through spaces, walk on water, and even fly.
This outstanding flexibility comes from a system the team developed, also called GrowHR. The research, published in *Science Advances*, describes how the robot was inspired by human bone development.
Human bones expand in size, remaining strong and lightweight, by using the body’s nutrients. The SUST team mimicked this process by building "bones" for their robot from soft, airtight chambers. These chambers are wrapped in a tough fabric skin.
When air is pumped into these chambers, the robot’s limbs can stretch to more than three times their original length. This allows the limbs to be stiff enough for walking and carrying loads, yet soft enough to absorb impacts.
Tension cables, small motors, and carbon-fibre guides link the growable parts, keeping them stable. This unique design enables GrowHR to adapt its body to numerous situations.
When air is released from the limb chambers, the robot can shrink to 36% of its height and 61% of its width. This capability allows it to squeeze through narrow gaps and under low furniture.
Weighing about 4.5 kilograms, GrowHR is light enough to float, swim, and walk on water with ease. With the addition of small fans, the robot can also fly.
The humanoid robot was designed with safety in mind. Its soft, elastic body means it can bump into someone accidentally without causing injury.
The researchers stated in their paper, “GrowHR is intrinsically safe for users, the environment, and itself, even when it bumps into surroundings or experiences strong impacts.”
GrowHR is currently a lab prototype with a few limitations, such as its waterproof skin affecting movement in water. However, the team sees significant potential for their technology.
The researchers stated, “This work pioneers a growable, multifunctional robotic design approach for dynamic, complex environments.” Future applications could include squeezing through rubble during search-and-rescue missions, flying to remote locations to drop off medicines and supplies, and assisting around the home.
GrowHR is a soft humanoid robot developed by SUST researchers.
The robot can change size, with its limbs stretching to over three times their original length or the robot shrinking to 36% of its height.
It is lightweight at 4.5 kilograms, enabling it to float, swim, walk on water, and fly with fans.
Source: TECHXPLORE
