Communications of the ACM
Multi-Purpose Robot Changes Shape for Different Uses
The robot is composed of soft struts that can change length freely and independently.
Credit: Peter Wharton
A tetrahedron-shaped robot developed by researchers at the U.K.'s University of Bristol features flexible piping that allows it to alter its shape, size, and movements based on its intended use.
Tetraflex can navigate small spaces and difficult terrain and can transport fragile items by enveloping them with its body.
The robot is made of soft struts composed of an airtight rubber bellow connected by rigid nodes.
Changing the air pressure in the bellow controls the shape and size of the robot, and altering the length of the struts in a particular sequence produces different types of motion.
From University of Bristol News (U.K.)
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