With a new design and 3D printing strategy, engineers are simultaneously manufacturingall mechanical and
In their work, scientists use the printing methodpiezoelectric metamaterials. These are structures with a complex lattice that change shape and move under the influence of an electric field. In addition, such materials can generate an electrical charge as a result of physical impact.
The metamaterials developed by scientists are capable ofquickly rotate, bend, twist and change shape depending on the task. The researchers note that robots built from such materials can detect obstacles using echoes and ultrasonic radiation, as well as respond to external stimuli through a feedback control loop.
With complex movements, multiple modesperception and programmable decision-making abilities, all elements are tightly integrated, it is like a biological system with nerves, bones and tendons working in tandem to perform controlled movements.
Xiaoyu (Rain) Zheng, head of research at UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering
The engineers also presented a methodology for developing such materials so that users can create their own models with unique functions.
To demonstrate how the technology works,the researchers created three "metabots" with different capabilities. One robot can move around S-shaped corners and randomly placed obstacles, another can run away in response to contact, and a third can walk over rough terrain and even make small jumps.
Researchers believe that the technology will be useful for creating biomedical robots. For example, self-guided endoscopes or tiny floating drug delivery robots.
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