Cornell University researchers
have discovered how to power simple robots with a novel substance that, when
heated, can expand more than 10 times in size, change its viscosity by a factor
of 10 and transition from regular to highly irregular granules with surprising
force. The study is the first to consider powering robots with popcorn, which
is inexpensive, readily available, biodegradable and of course, edible.
Since kernels can expand rapidly,
exerting force and motion when heated, they could potentially power miniature
jumping robots. Edible devices could be ingested for medical procedures. The
mix of hard, unpopped granules and lighter popped corn could replace fluids in
soft robots without the need for air pumps or compressors. Since kernels can't
shrink once they've popped, a popcorn-powered mechanism can generally be used
only once, though multiple uses are conceivable.
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