A new origami robot with autonomous functions is turning heads. This new robot can fold itself up, move on its own and, if needed, can self-destruct when commanded to. The robot was created by scientists from both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (where a team recently engineered the world’s first four-legged AI robot cheetah) and the Technische Universität München in Germany.
The team behind this creation presented the robot at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) in Seattle, Washington, hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This is a conference that takes place annually for scientists to showcase their new inventions.
Features of the New Origami Robot
The origami robot was designed by the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT. The current model is 1.7 centimeters in length and is a third of a gram in weight. It has a neodymium magnet with layers of polystyrene and PVC. If the robot’s materials are heated, it can transform itself into other shapes — hence the “origami” part of its name.
The use of Magnetic Field Propulsion
Instead of intricate wiring, the robot uses a magnetic field for propulsion. The field is made of four special coils that power the robot’s movements with cycles of 15 on and off Hertz of power. It can be commanded to walk, swim or roll. When exposed to acetone, the robot can be made to self-destruct. Researchers are also trying to find a way to make it possible for it to self-destruct in regular water.
New Origami Robot Has Many Possible Uses
The new robot is said to have several possible applications. It could potentially be used for medical procedures. To do this, a smaller version of the current model would have to be manufactured. It would be inserted into the patient’s bloodstream, and will navigate to the area of operation. After operating on the patient, it would be made to self-destruct by dissolving in the patient’s stomach.
Another possible use of the origami robot is planetary exploration. Various sizes and models of the robot could collect soil or rock samples, and fit through tiny openings to study objects that are otherwise impossible to reach.
This new origami robot is just one of the examples of new technology that can someday help us execute our jobs in an easier, safer and more effective manner.
New Origami Robot Folds Up, Self-Destructs
No comments:
Post a Comment