Origami inspired soft robotic limbs are crazy strong
- 6 years ago
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS — Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University have developed origami-inspired artificial muscles that can lift up to one thousand times their own weight.
The devices could be used on next-generation soft robots, to be deployed within the body or outer space, the LA Times reported.
The scientists wanted to make robots that were soft and compliant yet had strength similar to hard-bodied systems.
The group used origami techniques to create muscle-like devices that could allow for limb flexibility without the need for hard parts.
They made devices that could shorten, curl, twist or bend when compressed and sealed them in a polymer bag and filled them with air or other fluids.
Vacuuming the air out then allowed for movement to grip, lift and twist objects.
The team discovered the origami muscles could squeeze down to a tenth of their original size or lift up to a thousand times their own weight.
Soft robotic limbs could be used in the future on small scales within the body or on large scales for outer space construction.
The devices could be used on next-generation soft robots, to be deployed within the body or outer space, the LA Times reported.
The scientists wanted to make robots that were soft and compliant yet had strength similar to hard-bodied systems.
The group used origami techniques to create muscle-like devices that could allow for limb flexibility without the need for hard parts.
They made devices that could shorten, curl, twist or bend when compressed and sealed them in a polymer bag and filled them with air or other fluids.
Vacuuming the air out then allowed for movement to grip, lift and twist objects.
The team discovered the origami muscles could squeeze down to a tenth of their original size or lift up to a thousand times their own weight.
Soft robotic limbs could be used in the future on small scales within the body or on large scales for outer space construction.