Scientists on the Max-Planck-Institute for Clever Methods (MPI-IS) have developed hexagon-shaped robotic elements, referred to as modules, that may be snapped collectively LEGO-style into high-speed robots that may be rearranged for various capabilities. The group of researchers from the Robotic Supplies Division at MPI-IS, led by Christoph Keplinger, built-in synthetic muscle tissues into hexagonal exoskeletons which might be embedded with magnets, permitting for fast mechanical and electrical connections. The group’s work, “Hexagonal electrohydraulic modules for quickly reconfigurable high-speed robots” can be revealed in Science Robotics on September 18, 2024.
Six light-weight inflexible plates comprised of glass fiber function the exoskeleton of every HEXEL module. The interior joints of the hexagons are pushed by hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) synthetic muscle tissues. Making use of a excessive voltage to the module causes the muscle to activate, rotating the joints of the hexagon and altering its form from lengthy and slim to huge and flat.
“Combining gentle and inflexible elements on this method permits excessive strokes and excessive speeds. By connecting a number of modules, we are able to create new robotic geometries and repurpose them for altering wants,” says Ellen Rumley, a visiting researcher from the College of Colorado Boulder. She and Zachary Yoder, who’re each Ph.D. college students working within the Robotic Supplies Division, are co-first authors of the publication.
In a video, the group exhibits the numerous behaviors that may be created with HEXEL modules. A bunch of modules crawls by a slim hole, whereas a single module actuates so quick that it may well leap into the air. A number of modules are related into bigger constructions that produce completely different motions relying on how the modules are hooked up. For example, the group mixed a number of modules right into a robotic which quickly rolls.
“Normally, it makes numerous sense to develop robots with reconfigurable capabilities. It is a sustainable design choice — as a substitute of shopping for 5 completely different robots for 5 completely different functions, we are able to construct many various robots through the use of the identical elements. Robots comprised of reconfigurable modules might be rearranged on demand to offer extra versatility than specialised methods, which might be helpful in resource-limited environments”, Yoder concludes.