The new “soft robot” from the research group led by Martin Kaltenbrunner from the Department of Soft Matter Physics at the University of Linz is barely visible with the naked eye. The arc-shaped system can be controlled with electricity so precisely that it can overcome obstacles, transport objects and cover distances “ultra-fast” – even faster than a Formula 1 car relative to its size.
The researchers from the “Physics of Soft Matter” department and the “LIT Soft Materials Lab” at the University of Linz are working to expand the prevailing image of hard material machines. The basic idea behind it has always been to create the conditions so that robots and humans can communicate more closely in the future without the rigid machine causing physical harm to humans.
Now the team led by first author Guoyong Mao has literally set in motion one of his developments: The small, multi-layer, rectangular structure made of malleable plastics (elastomers) not only has a printed channel structure filled with liquid metal in the center, but also “feet” at its two short ends.
Due to the construction, made in a special 3D printer, the system bends into a U-shape. The movable metal grid can be controlled by electrical impulses and an external magnetic field. In this way it is possible to switch back and forth very quickly between little and much curvature. In their work, the scientists compare the principle to the movement a cheetah’s body makes when it runs.
Faster than Formula 1 car
Depending on the nature of the surface on which the “soft robot” moves, systems in which the motion impulse is transmitted from the outside through a connected contact achieve astonishing speeds of up to 70 body lengths of the structure per second. In comparison: a Formula 1 car reaches about 50 body lengths per second. According to Kaltenbrunner, the system also works “extremely well” on a smooth glass surface with special feet. “We were surprised at how fast these little robots can be.” Until now, such soft actuators were considered “cool, but not fast”. According to the researcher, that would change.
Swims, jumps and carries
Even while swimming you can now reach almost five body lengths per second. Prototypes of autonomous systems, in which the technology for motion control has been piggybacked, reach about two lengths per second, according to the scientists. The team also demonstrated overcoming obstacles by jumping or carrying smaller loads, which are also targeted lowered by a second similar part on the back of the first. In addition, the mini robot can change direction.
sensors for sighting
The researchers were particularly impressed by the structure with the battery and the like on the back. Such a system, which operates independently of energy, has never existed before. This is important because “the big dream” is that such mini-robot systems can one day, more or less independently, perform minor operations in the body, for example, or release active ingredients where they are needed.
The next step is to equip them with sensors so that they can also sense their surroundings, Kaltenbrunner explains.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
