Netherlands: A new air-powered robot uses physics to move its inflatable legs automatically.
The robot, developed at AMOLF institute, features two- and four-legged versions. Each leg consists of a kinked elastomer tube.
Air pumped into the leg causes the kink to move, oscillating the tube. This principle is similar to inflatable tube dancers.
Initially, leg movements are chaotic. However, they quickly synchronize, reaching speeds of 30 body lengths per second on flat surfaces.
The robot self-corrects its gait after stumbling. It also automatically switches to a swimming gait in water.
The design uses underlying physics instead of complex controls.
Assoc. Prof. Overvelde: "Simple objects can give rise to complex behavior by harnessing the underlying physics."
Potential applications include micro-robots for drug delivery, exoskeletons, and machinery for harsh environments.
This technology could function where electronics may fail, such as outer space.