Engineers at Switzerland's Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have unveiled a groundbreaking development in robotics: shapeshifting, 2D triangular robots that can transform into virtually any 3D shape.
Inspired by biological swarm behaviors and geometrical patterns, these robots, known as Mori3, are modular and origami-like.
Shapeshifting 2D Robots
In a recently published paper in Nature Machine Intelligence, the EPFL researchers explained that the Mori3 robots could be assembled and disassembled according to the environment and task.
This adaptability and flexibility make them ideal for space exploration, where space is limited and costs are a significant concern.
Instead of specializing in a single role, they serve as all-purpose systems that can transform to meet the specific needs of astronauts.
Flexible for Any Task
In a proof-of-concept demonstration, Popular Science reports that the Mori3 robots showcased their versatility by shuffling around, handling objects, and interacting with their environment.
They were able to form various design shapes, including a single-walking quadrupedal machine and an upright, three-dimensional walking robot.
Christoph Belke, a robotics researcher at EPFL and co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "These robots can change their own shape, attach to each other, communicate, and reconfigure to form functional and articulated structures."
Future of Space Robots
As space agencies and private companies gear up for crewed missions to the moon and Mars, robots will play an increasingly vital role in supporting these endeavors. With limited space available on rockets, it is crucial to have flexible and adaptable robots.
Mori3, with its modular and shapeshifting capabilities, offers a promising solution for the future of space exploration.
As shown in footage shared by DailyBeast, these robots can handle various tasks, from external repairs in the harsh vacuum of space to internal transportation within lunar bases or spacecraft, by changing their size, shape, and function.
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Jamie Paik, the director of EPFL's Reconfigurable Robotics Lab and co-author of the study, explained the significance of Mori3, stating, "Our aim with Mori3 is to create a modular, origami-like robot that can be assembled and disassembled at will depending on the environment and task at hand."
The researchers at EPFL have successfully demonstrated the transformative potential of Mori3 robots, paving the way for a new era of robotics in space exploration.
By combining the principles of biology, geometry, and innovative engineering, these shapeshifting robots offer unprecedented adaptability and versatility, ensuring that future missions can overcome the challenges of space travel more efficiently and effectively.
What's In The News
The development of shapeshifting 2D robots represents a major breakthrough in robotics and space exploration.
The Mori3 robots, with their ability to transform into virtually any 3D shape, offer a cost-effective and versatile solution for tasks in space.
In related news, a company called Space Forge is planning to test its innovative heat shield, named Pridwen, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission later this year.
This space shield, which has a clever design, is backed by the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency (ESA). Its goal is to transform spacecraft reentry using folding techniques inspired by origami.
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