This robot can melt and re-form
its legs to change how it walks. It can produce different walking styles by
melting and then re-solidifying its structure, helping it get around obstacles.
This small, four-legged robot has a 3D-printed plastic structure with 'shape-morphing
joints' that can be selectively melted and hardened to optimize its legs for
different motions.
A wire that heats up when a
voltage is applied is wrapped around the joints. It takes about 10 seconds for
them to soften. The simple system lets the robot switch between a number of
different leg positions to let it climb over, or lower itself beneath,
obstacles. The system could improve robots’ capabilities without adding cost,
weight, or complexity.
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