The latest groundbreaking innovation in microscale robotics at Cornell University has unveiled a tiny robot that can fold into 3D shapes and crawl, all in less than 1 millimeter in size. This robot, known as a kirigami robot, starts as a 2D hexagonal “metasheet” and transforms into various 3D shapes with the help of electricity.
The kirigami robot is a result of the collaborative efforts of various experts at Cornell University, including Professor Itai Cohen, who has led previous projects in microrobotic systems. The robot is made up of approximately 100 silicon dioxide panels connected through over 200 actuating hinges, allowing it to change its shape and coverage area significantly.
Unlike traditional robots that have static shapes, the kirigami robot draws inspiration from living organisms that can change their shape. By leveraging metamaterials composed of building blocks that work together to provide mechanical behaviors, the robot can achieve complex motions and configurations without losing material.
One of the main challenges in developing this microscale robot was creating a mechanism for it to move. By using kirigami’s unique folding and unfolding properties, the researchers were able to design a robot that could adapt its shape to interact with its environment effectively.
Additionally, the kirigami robot’s ability to swim through its environment by changing its shape showcases the innovative applications of this technology. By utilizing fluid drag forces to propel the robot forward, the researchers were able to demonstrate the robot’s locomotion capabilities at the microscale level.
Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate electronic controllers into their flexible mechanical structures to create ultra-responsive “elastronic” materials. These materials could revolutionize various fields, from micromachines to biomedical devices, by offering properties that are not achievable in natural materials.
Overall, the kirigami robot represents a significant advancement in microscale robotics, paving the way for intelligent materials that can respond to stimuli in unprecedented ways. The project was supported by various institutions and research programs, highlighting the collaborative efforts that went into developing this cutting-edge technology.
