Robotic Skin for Tiny Robots
Researchers have developed a soft robotic skin that enables tiny robots to navigate complex and fragile environments.
The skin features a thin layer of liquid crystal elastomer actuators at strategic locations, allowing the robot to be steered by controlling pressure and temperature.
- Navigated a model of human arteries
- Navigated a model of a jet engine interior
“Our work represents a step toward small, steerable, soft vine robots for applications in delicate and constrained environments,”
said Tania K. The research team is publishing their results in the Oct. 15 issue of Science Advances.
Author's summary: Tiny robots navigate complex environments with new skin.