Soft Robotic Caterpillar Silver Nanowires
The shape-shifting T-1000 robot can escape from behind bars, but this flexible soft robotic caterpillar can sneak beneath them. North Carolina State University researchers have created a soft robot capable of moving forward, backward and under narrow spaces, thqanks to silver nanowires that use heat to control the way it bends.



It consists of two layers of polymer, both of which react differently when exposed to heat. The bottom layer contracts when exposed to heat, while the top layer expands when exposed to heat. A pattern of silver nanowires, embedded in the expanding layer of polymer, includes multiple lead points where researchers can apply an electric current. By applying an electric current to different lead points, researchers are able to control which sections of the nanowire pattern heat up.

LEGO Marvel Iron Man Monger Mayhem Set 76190, Avengers Mech Building Toy, Action Figure, with Iron Man,...
2,176 Reviews
LEGO Marvel Iron Man Monger Mayhem Set 76190, Avengers Mech Building Toy, Action Figure, with Iron Man,...
  • This LEGO Marvel Iron Man mech set features posable limbs and a working suspension connecting the body and shoulders for realistic movement
  • The action figure has an opening cockpit for a LEGO minifigure, plus a 6-stud shooter on its right arm, and a 3-stud shooter on its left arm
  • The mech’s glow-in-the-dark arc reactor in its chest glows as kids twist, turn and adjust the mech’s position to fire stud shooters

This approach to driving motion in a soft robot is highly energy efficient, and we’re interested in exploring ways that we could make this process even more efficient. Additional next steps include integrating this approach to soft robot locomotion with sensors or other technologies for use in various applications – such as search-and-rescue devices,” said Yong Zhu, corresponding author of a paper.

Author

A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.