Tech

Auto-crawling soft ‘Ringbots’ can navigate narrow gaps


'Ringbots' mềm tự động thu thập thông tin có thể điều hướng các khoảng trống hẹp

(a, b) Rings of equal thickness

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a ring-shaped soft robot capable of crawling across surfaces when exposed to high heat or infrared light. The researchers demonstrated that these “ringbots” are capable of pulling a small mass on the surface — in ambient air or underwater, as well as traversing a gap narrower than its ring size.

The ringbots are made from liquid crystal elastomer that has the shape of a repeating ribbon, like a bracelet. When you put ringbot on face At least 55 degrees C (131 degrees F), hotter than the surrounding air, the portion of the ice sheet in contact with the surface will shrink, while the portion of the ice sheet exposed to the air will not. This creates a rolling motion in the ribbon.

Similarly, when researchers shine Infrared lights on the ringbot, the portion of the ribbon that is exposed to light will shrink, while the portion that is shielded from the light will not. This also creates a rolling motion in the ribbon.

In practical terms, this means that the crawler ringbot moves from the bottom up when placed on a hot surface. But when exposed to infrared light, the movement starts from the top down.

One of the things that drives this constant motion is the fact that the ringbots are bistable, that is, have two shapes when it is at rest. If the ribbon begins to twist, it will return to its original shape or change to another bistable state.

Image of a rubber bracelet shaped like a ribbon. If you fold the ends of the bracelet forward a little and then let go, it will return to its original shape. But if you fold the ends far enough, it will come apart — essentially folding the bracelet from the inside out.






Credit: North Carolina State University

In the case of ringbots, the “folding” is done by applying constant heat or infrared light, which causes the elastomer to contract and rotate. If the ring robot is symmetrical, this will essentially make it jump in place.

“But by designing the shape of the loop, so that one side of the loop The loop is permanently twisted, the structure is asymmetrical. State. “This means that the loop is exposed to uneven heat or infrared light, causing the soft robot to move sideways across the surface.”

When placed on a hot surface, the end result is that the crawling ringbot will pull itself forward. But when exposed to infrared light, the crawling ringbot propels itself forward. Think of it as front-wheel drive versus rear-wheel drive.

During demonstrations, the robots are capable of towing a small payload and operate both in the ambient air and underwater.

The researchers also demonstrated that a ringbot can adapt its body shape to squeeze through a confined space 30% narrower than the diameter of the ringbot. And when the distance is too narrow for soft robot to go through, it redirects itself to move out of the gap.

“This is a fundamental advance, not something designed with a specific application in mind,” said Yao Zhao, a postdoctoral researcher in Yin’s lab. “We are demonstrating what can be achieved when ‘physical intelligence’ is engineered into the material and design of the structure itself, allowing it to move and navigate space without computer input. .”

The article was published in the journal Advanced Materials.

More information:
Yao Zhao et al, Self-sustaining Snapping Engine generates Auto Dancing and Movement in Free Standing Wavy Loops, Advanced Materials (In 2022). DOI: 10.1002 / adma.202207372

Quote: Automated crawling soft ‘Ringbots’ that can navigate narrow gaps (2022, 15 Nov) retrieved 15 Nov 2022 from https://techxplore.com/news/2022-11 -autonomous-soft-ringbots-narrow-gaps.html

This document is the subject for the collection of authors. Apart from any fair dealing for personal study or research purposes, no part may be reproduced without written permission. The content provided is for informational purposes only.

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button