Scientists on the Max-Planck-Institute for Clever Methods (MPI-IS) have developed hexagon-shaped robotic elements, known as modules, that may be snapped collectively LEGO-style into high-speed robots that may be rearranged for various capabilities. The group of researchers from the Robotic Supplies Division at MPI-IS, led by Christoph Keplinger, built-in synthetic muscle tissue into hexagonal exoskeletons which are embedded with magnets, permitting for fast mechanical and electrical connections. The group’s work, “Hexagonal electrohydraulic modules for quickly reconfigurable high-speed robots” shall be printed in Science Robotics on September 18, 2024.
Six light-weight inflexible plates constructed from glass fiber function the exoskeleton of every HEXEL module. The internal joints of the hexagons are pushed by hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) synthetic muscle tissue. Making use of a excessive voltage to the module causes the muscle to activate, rotating the joints of the hexagon and altering its form from lengthy and slim to large and flat.
“Combining tender and inflexible elements on this manner allows excessive strokes and excessive speeds. By connecting a number of modules, we are able to create new robotic geometries and repurpose them for altering wants,” says Ellen Rumley, a visiting researcher from the College of Colorado Boulder. She and Zachary Yoder, who’re each Ph.D. college students working within the Robotic Supplies Division, are co-first authors of the publication.
In a video, the group exhibits the various behaviors that may be created with HEXEL modules. A bunch of modules crawls by way of a slim hole, whereas a single module actuates so quick that it could possibly leap into the air. A number of modules are related into bigger buildings that produce completely different motions relying on how the modules are hooked up. As an illustration, the group mixed a number of modules right into a robotic which quickly rolls.
“Generally, it makes a whole lot of sense to develop robots with reconfigurable capabilities. It is a sustainable design possibility — as an alternative of shopping for 5 completely different robots for 5 completely different functions, we are able to construct many various robots through the use of the identical elements. Robots constructed from reconfigurable modules may very well be rearranged on demand to offer extra versatility than specialised programs, which may very well be useful in resource-limited environments”, Yoder concludes.