Shapeshifting soft robot uses electric fields to swing like a gymnast

Researchers have invented a new super agile robot that can cleverly change shape thanks to amorphous characteristics akin to the popular Marvel anti-hero Venom.

The unique soft morphing creation, developed by the University of Bristol and Queen Mary University of London, is much more adaptable than current soft robots. The study, published in the journal Advanced Materials, showcases an electro-morphing gel jelly-like humanoid gymnast that can move from one place to another using its flexible body and limbs.

Researchers used a special material called electro-morphing gel (e-MG) which allows the robot to show shapeshifting functions, allowing them to bend, stretch, and move in ways that were previously difficult or impossible, through manipulation of electric fields from ultralightweight electrodes.

Study lead author Ciqun Xu, research associate at the University of Bristol School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, said, “Soft robotics is an exciting and rapidly advancing field, both here in Bristol and worldwide. Our e-MG robot, which resembles something straight out of science fiction, marks an exciting breakthrough that paves the way for further progress in soft robotics.”

Soft robots, with their unique transformability and adaptability, expand the possibilities of conventional rigid robotics and offer novel solutions across industry, wearables, and health care. However, existing soft robots are limited by challenges in response time, complex shape changes, and independent manipulation.

In the study, the team demonstrated robots that exhibit large-scale deformation and movement with multiple and complex morphing behaviors beyond the limits of existing robots. This contrasts with previous magnetic microrobots requiring heavy, bulky and expensive electromagnets.

Robots are often designed to carry out a specific task to a high degree of specialization. The adaptability of the e-MG robot and its consistent performance across 10,000 actuation cycles represents a step towards the next generation of smart robots. By constructing the e-MG robot from a soft polymer composite incorporating nanocrystalline conductors, it can be manipulated remotely by electric fields with a high level of control and body morphing.

The geometry of an e-MG robot can be tailored to specific application scenarios. As demonstrated in the video, the jelly-like humanoid gymnast with an agile body and active limbs is capable of swinging along the ceiling for locomotion. The e-MG can even be paired with rigid, traditional robotics or machine parts to create hybrid constructions tailored to complex tasks and environments.

Ciqun added, “The potential applications of soft robotics are as broad as they are exciting. From space exploration to wearable devices and health care, soft robotics can push the boundaries of what is possible. Think of the e-MG robot and future soft robots as Swiss Army knives; their adaptability can provide a diverse range of tools for situations where traditional robots may not be suitable.”