UCLA engineers have developed a new method to 3D print robots in a single step, or more specifically, their entire mechanical and electronic systems. Manufacturing these systems all at once required a new type of 3D printing process for metamaterials, resulting in a “meta-bot” capable of propulsion, movement, sensing and decision-making.
These aren’t basic robots either, as all of them have printed metamaterials consisting of an internal network of sensory, moving and structural elements that can move by themselves following programmed commands. Since the internal network of moving and sensing is already in place, the only external component required is a small battery to power the robot.
No products found.
We envision that this design and printing methodology of smart robotic materials will help realize a class of autonomous materials that could replace the current complex assembly process for making a robot. With complex motions, multiple modes of sensing and programmable decision-making abilities all tightly integrated, it’s similar to a biological system with the nerves, bones and tendons working in tandem to execute controlled motions,” said Xiaoyu (Rayne) Zheng, the study’s principal investigator.
