A 3D-printed, functionally graded soft robot powered by combustion
Abstract
In the future, soft-bodied robots may be able to squeeze into tight spaces or work in environments where they could be crushed. However, it is hard to ensure efficient power transmission in a soft-bodied device. One promising solution is to use explosions to drive the robot, using efficient weight-to-power energy sources. Using three-dimensional printing to fuse together multiple materials, Bartlett et al. built a combustion-powered robot. The robot has a rigid core that transitions to a soft exterior. They produced an efficient jumping robot in which the gradations in the hardness of the body materials also improved robustness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aab0129
Entities
People
- Bobak Mosadegh
- George M. Whitesides
- James C. Weaver
- Johannes Overvelde
- Katia Bertoldi
- Michael T Tolley
- Nicholas W. Bartlett
- Robert J Wood
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Harvard University
- National Science Foundation
- University of California, San Diego
- Weill Cornell Medicine