Photo credit: www.sciencedaily.com
A team of researchers has developed an innovative light-driven soft robot capable of transporting loads through the air along predetermined tracks, similar to the operations of cable cars or aerial trams. This autonomous soft robot can navigate inclines of up to 80 degrees and is designed to carry loads exceeding 12 times its own weight.
“Our previous work focused on creating soft robots that efficiently traverse water and solid surfaces. This time, we aimed to design a system that could transport items through open air,” explains Jie Yin, the corresponding author and associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at North Carolina State University. “The most straightforward method involves following an established track, akin to the aerial trams seen in mountainous regions. We have successfully demonstrated this capability.”
The structure of these soft robots is based on ribbon-like liquid crystal elastomers, which are twisted together—much like a rotini noodle—and then connected at one end to form a loop that resembles a bracelet. This “soft ring robot” hangs from a track made of various materials such as thread, wire, or cable. The ring is looped around the track multiple times, creating a parallel alignment with the surface of the track.
When exposed to infrared light directed perpendicular to the track, the section of the ribbon that absorbs the most light contracts. This action triggers a rolling motion: as one part of the ribbon compresses, it pulls another, cooler section into the light, heating it up in turn and perpetuating this cycle. The soft ring thus rolls and twists on itself, enabling it to traverse the track.
“The mechanism of the ribbon turning resembles a screw, facilitating the robot’s movement along the track—even while carrying loads up steep inclines,” Yin adds.
The researchers showcased the soft ring robot’s ability to navigate tracks as narrow as a human hair or as wide as a drinking straw. Remarkably, it can also tackle obstacles on the track, such as knots or bulges. The robot has demonstrated the capacity to ascend or descend slopes while carrying loads significantly greater than its own weight.
“We also proved that the robot can maneuver along intricate paths—it doesn’t need to travel in a straight line,” states Fangjie Qi, the paper’s first author and a Ph.D. student at NC State. “We’ve shown it can smoothly navigate curves, circles, and even three-dimensional spirals. This adaptability in following complex routes in predictable manners suggests promising practical applications for this technology.”
“Our next steps involve identifying specific applications for this innovation, as well as enhancing the soft robots to respond to energy sources beyond infrared light,” Yin continues. “For instance, we aim to create a soft ring robot that can operate effectively in sunlight or react to other external stimuli.”
Source
www.sciencedaily.com