Shape-Changing Soft Robot Created

Researchers from Stanford University have developed a shape-changing, free-roaming soft robots that can work side by side with humans. With further research and development of these robots, they will be able to help assist humans with lifting various heavy objects and even carrying humans out of danger. A limitation that the researchers had to overcome was the fact that most soft robots require to be attached to some type of air source, most of the time a air compressor that has to be attached to the wall which therefore prevents the robot from being able to move. However, researchers were able to keep the same amount of air within these soft robots all the time, allowing the robot to change shapes, move, and even roll in controllable directions.

While the field of soft robotics is still very young, the research and development that has gone behind it so far is fascinating. The soft robots are most desirable towards everyday home and workplace usage whereas traditional robots could cause potential harm. The best way that the soft robot has been described is as a mix between BigHero 6 from Big Max and a Transformer. The mixture of softness and flexibility is the key component to what makes these futuristic robots so appealing. The most interesting part of this development of the soft robot in my opinion is the fact that if could be used to explore various planets and space. It could be sent up in a small package and then act untethered once inflated. It could also use its ability to shape-shift as a way to fit in small places if it had to on a foreign planet. I’m looking forward to seeing how scientists and researchers are going to use and further develop this piece of technology and maybe even be able to incorporate it in our everyday lives.

Source:

“Shape-Changing, Free-Roaming Soft Robot Created.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 18 Mar. 2020, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200318143711.htm

 

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