North Carolina State University Develops Soft Robot for Continuous Jumping Without Electronics
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Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a soft robot capable of continuous jumping without electronic control. This innovation utilizes geometric structures and light-responsive materials to enable the robot to autonomously jump under constant infrared light, overcoming previous limitations that required manual resets or external stimuli for each jump.
This advancement is significant as it opens new pathways for the movement of micro soft robots, allowing them to navigate diverse environments without the need for complex electronic systems. The robot, named the annular jumper, can adapt to various terrains, achieving vertical jumps up to 80 times its size and horizontal jumps exceeding three times its length, showcasing its potential for real-world applications.
Looking ahead, the research highlights the importance of physical intelligence in robotics, where movement logic is embedded in material properties and geometric configurations. While the current prototype is still in the concept validation stage and faces challenges such as reliance on infrared light and material fatigue, it lays the groundwork for future developments in low-cost micro soft robots that could be deployed in swarm formations for environmental exploration and disaster response.
Original report
Achieving Continuous Jumping in Soft Robots Without Electronic Control
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