Engineers from Princeton and North Carolina State University have developed a soft robot that navigates mazes effortlessly by integrating ancient paper-folding techniques with modern materials science.

Unlike traditional steering systems that compromise flexibility, this robot incorporates its steering mechanism directly into its body.

The researchers describe their creation, comprised of modular cylindrical segments, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

These segments, capable of independent operation or forming longer units, enable the robot to move, steer, and even pick up cargo, Tech Xplore has reported.

The robot’s modular nature allows it to function as a single unit or as part of a swarm, with each segment communicating and assembling on command.

By utilizing a combination of materials that shrink or expand differently when heated, the researchers devised a method to precisely control the robot’s bending and folding motions, enabling it to navigate and change direction.

While the current version of the robot has limited speed, ongoing efforts aim to enhance both speed and steering by experimenting with different shapes, patterns, and instability factors.

Written by B.C. Begley