These origami robots use shape-shifting exoskeletons to glide, swim and walk
The technology could be used in anything from deep-sea construction to disaster-relief.
Scientists from the US have created robots capable of shape-shifting, allowing them to adapt to an array of different tasks.
The technology is capable of walking, rolling, sailing and gliding using a variety of recyclable exoskeletons.
The technology starts as sheets of plastic, before being programmed with a precise series of indentations. These creases mean they will fold into specific shapes when heated – shapes which can then perform a unique task.
“Instead of creating two robots for the two tasks, you can use a single robot with multiple exoskeletons that enable it to boat across the river and then carry payloads on the other side.”
“This builds nicely on that work to develop a basic robot body and fine-tuned ‘super-suits’ (exoskeletons) that the body can pick up and drop off for different tasks.”