Scientists on the Max-Planck-Institute for Clever Techniques (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 staff of researchers from the Robotic Supplies Division at MPI-IS, led by Christoph Keplinger, built-in synthetic muscular tissues into hexagonal exoskeletons which might be embedded with magnets, permitting for fast mechanical and electrical connections. The staff’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 comprised of glass fiber function the exoskeleton of every HEXEL module. The interior joints of the hexagons are pushed by hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) synthetic muscular tissues. 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 huge and flat.
“Combining smooth and inflexible elements on this manner allows excessive strokes and excessive speeds. By connecting a number of modules, we will 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 staff reveals the various behaviors that may be created with HEXEL modules. A bunch of modules crawls by a slim hole, whereas a single module actuates so quick that it could possibly leap into the air. A number of modules are linked into bigger buildings that produce completely different motions relying on how the modules are connected. As an example, the staff mixed a number of modules right into a robotic which quickly rolls.
“Usually, 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 will construct many various robots by utilizing the identical elements. Robots comprised of reconfigurable modules might be rearranged on demand to offer extra versatility than specialised programs, which might be helpful in resource-limited environments”, Yoder concludes.
