A robot made of plastic, however, can morph its joints by applying voltage to a wire wrapped around them. The joints, encased in soft silicone, melt to a compliant state in about 10 seconds and then reharden in a new form. This technology could allow robots to scale down without compromising any capabilities.
How can this robot alter its joints for different motions?
Answer: By melting them.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a robot with “shape morphing joints” that can help it overcome obstacles or perform additional tasks that it otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. Most robots are limited by their number of legs and the directions in which they can bend, since their joints can’t be reconfigured without being taken apart.
A robot made of plastic, however, can morph its joints by applying voltage to a wire wrapped around them. The joints, encased in soft silicone, melt to a compliant state in about 10 seconds and then reharden in a new form. This technology could allow robots to scale down without compromising any capabilities.
A robot made of plastic, however, can morph its joints by applying voltage to a wire wrapped around them. The joints, encased in soft silicone, melt to a compliant state in about 10 seconds and then reharden in a new form. This technology could allow robots to scale down without compromising any capabilities.
