Revolutionary Shape-Shifting Robots Designed to Build Space Habitats and Perform Versatile Tasks

Revolutionary Shape-Shifting Robots Designed to Build Space Habitats and Perform Versatile Tasks
Image credit: space.com

Engineers Develop Shape-Shifting Robots for Space Applications

A team of engineers from North Carolina State University (NC State) has developed a groundbreaking "transformer" robot capable of changing shape, which could revolutionize the construction of habitats in space. The innovative design allows the robot to transform into over 1,000 different configurations using just three active motors. This transformative capability, inspired by the art of origami, offers an efficient solution for assembling structures in space, potentially allowing the robot to carry loads or serve as a temporary shelter, according to an NC State statement.

Modular and Versatile Design Inspired by Nature and Origami

The transformer robots are composed of 36 3D-printed, hollow plastic cubes connected by rotating hinges. Some of these hinges are fixed with metal pins, while others are activated wirelessly by a motor. The researchers demonstrated the robot's ability to transform into a variety of shapes, including tunnels, bridges, and even multi-story structures. Jie Yin, co-author of the study and associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at NC State, explained, "We use a hierarchical concept observed in nature — like layered muscle fibers — but with plastic cubes to create a transforming robot."

Quick Transformation and Load-Bearing Capabilities

The transformer bots are not only capable of changing shape quickly but can also move in multiple directions, including forward, backward, and sideways. They can shift from a flat, fully open structure to a larger, box-like cube or a fully closed form in a relatively short time. Impressively, these robots can carry loads that are approximately three times their own weight and can traverse inclined surfaces, showcasing their potential for various space applications.

Potential for Space Habitats and Future Applications

Antonio Di Lallo, co-first author of the study and an NC State postdoctoral researcher, emphasized the modularity of the design, stating, "These can be used as deployable, configurable space robots and habitats. You can send it to space flat and assemble it as a shelter or habitat, and then disassemble it." The team is also focused on enhancing the structure's robustness to bear larger loads. Yanbin Li, another co-author and postdoctoral researcher at NC State, added, "We want to test our structures with real-world applications like space robots."

Publication and Future Research

The research findings were published on July 26 in the journal Nature Communications. The team's work represents a significant step forward in the development of versatile, shape-shifting robots that could play a crucial role in space exploration and the construction of extraterrestrial habitats.