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NC State Engineers Transform Origami Principles into Shape-Shifting Robotics

Innovative Design and Functionality

North Carolina State University engineers have translated the principles of origami into a plastic cube that can achieve over 1,000 configurations with three active motors. This innovation may pave the way for shape-shifting robotic system that serve various functions and can bear loads, such as those required in space missions.

Research Publication and Key Insights

Nature communications has published the findings of this research.

The NC State researchers utilized a 3D printer to fabricate hollow plastic cubes, which they assembled into a structure of 36 cubes connected by rotating hinges. Certain hinges were secured with metal pins, while others were wirelessly actuated by a motor.

The researchers successfully moved the cubes into over 1,000 different shapes using only three active motors. These shapes included tunnel-like structures, bridge-like formations, and even multi-story architectures.

The transformer bots, operating without feet, can advance, retreat, and maneuver sideways solely by altering the shape of their structure. They are capable of swiftly changing form a flat or fully open configuration to a larger, box-like cube or a completely closed form. Furthermore, these bots can handle loads up to three times their own weight.

Future Plans and Applications

The researchers plan to further enhance the transformer bots in their next phase of development.

"Our objective is to create a more durable structure capable of handling larger loads," noted Yanbin Li, an NC State postdoctoral researcher and co-corresponding author of the paper. "We need to determine how to design an initial structure that can transition into a car shape, for instance. Furthermore, we plan to explore the practical use of our structures in applications such as space robotics."

"We beleve these structures could serve as deployable, configurable robots and habitats for space applications," stated Antonio Di Lallo, a postdoctoral researcher at NC State and co-first author of the study. "Being modular, they can be sent to space in a flat form, assembled into shelters or habitats, and later disassembled."

User Considerations

"It must be straightforward for users to assemble and operate," Yin emphasized.

Authorship

"Hao Su, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Junxi Zhu, an NC State Ph.D. student, along with Yinding Chi, a former Ph.D. student at NC State, are co-authors of the paper."

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