X-shaped, tiny, soft robot can manipulate and move objects ranging from tofu to nuts and bolts

Bioinspired adhesion-controlled soft millirobot with its adhesion mechanism and applications. (A) (i) Schematic diagram of a velvet worm that captures the prey by secretions with modulated modulus. (ii) Capturing mechanism of the secretion: sticking to the surface of the prey in its soft state, and then hardening for immobilizing the prey. (B) Schematic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the 3D structured magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) that modulates elastic modulus by the external magnetic field for adhesion control. CIPs, carbonyl iron particles. (C) Schematic and optical images of the designed magnetically responsive adhesive robot with an MRE adhesive. (D) Mouse tumor removal surgery in vivo with the assistance of a remote adhesive robot with the optical images of gripping soft and easily deformable objects by MRE adhesive and robot. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8260

A team of roboticists and engineers affiliated with several institutions in South Korea, working with the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, has developed a tiny soft robot that is capable of manipulating multiple types of hard and soft objects. Their results are published in the journal Science Advances.

The researchers designed and developed a multi-use robot capable of working in extreme conditions. Noting that many tiny robots have difficulty moving around in jellied or mucus-type environments, they developed one that is able to work in such surroundings with ease using magnets.

The robot resembles two Band-Aids, one placed over the other to create an X. The center serves as a manipulator and the legs help with locomotion. The robot was made starting with a base of a composite polymer created by mixing a PDMS matrix with NdFeB particle fillers. The resulting mix was formed into an X shape using both a cast and a 3D printer.

The legs were given octopus-type suction grippers. The resulting robot was controlled using a magnetic field. Notably, the particles embedded in the legs are also magnetic, giving the robot a secondary means for adhering to a target. The researchers note their robot was inspired by the velvet worm—a small, segmented worm with an underside covered by tiny appendages that it uses to manipulate or stick to objects.

Adhesive robot manipulating wet and soft raw liver. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8260

Testing showed the robot capable of adhering to a wide variety of targets, whether they were wet, oily, gooey or dry. It can manipulate or move multiple types of objects, including tissue and metal. It is also capable of manipulating tofu samples, fish flesh, fish eggs and fish organs. It could screw a nut onto a bolt and take it off again, and in an impressive test, they showed it capable of assisting in removing a cancerous tumor from the back of a live mouse.

More information:
Hyeongho Min et al, Stiffness-tunable velvet worm–inspired soft adhesive robot, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp8260

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X-shaped, tiny, soft robot can manipulate and move objects ranging from tofu to nuts and bolts (2024, November 25)
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