Tsinghua University researchers have designed a microrobot capable of transforming its shape for both terrestrial and aerial movement.
The 25-gram robot uses a novel thin-film actuator, allowing it to morph and lock into different shapes. This design enables the robot to function as both a wheeled vehicle and a flying drone.
Professor Zhang Yihui calls the actuator the "heart" of the robot, highlighting its ability to continuously morph. The robot integrates actuators, rotors, motors, a control module, and a battery in a compact frame.
When flying, the components act as rotors; on the ground, they fold into wheels. The team also created a smaller 0.8-gram robot capable of walking, running, jumping, and flying.
The actuator technology has multidisciplinary implications, including fault diagnosis in equipment and medical devices. It can also enhance haptic feedback in VR and AR applications.
According to Zhang, the actuator can be electrically controlled to deform into any shape. This advancement promises to enhance how robots interact with challenging environments.