Developed at the Whitesides lab at Harvard University the more advanced soft robot measures in at 65cm (25.6in.), significantly larger than its predecessor. Comprised of a tough silicon rubber body the new robot is animated by an outboard electronic controller that regulates blasts of compressed air to give the ‘bot its pneumatic wiggle.
Completely autonomous and capable of trekking on its own for a full two hours, Whitesides’ new robot has undergone a series of grueling tests to make sure it can stand up to whatever environment its forced into. In fact, in recent tests the ‘bot was subjected to punishing sub-zero temperatures, howling winds, and the indignity of being drowned in puddles. What’s more, the soft ‘bot was forced to spend nearly a minute engulfed in hellish 2726 °C flames.
While the next-gen soft robot survived its torturous gauntlet, researchers believe there are still a number of improvements that can be made to perfect the machine. First and foremost is removing the ‘bots’ electrical components from their vulnerable perch atop the machine’s back. Researchers believe that can be solved simply by slipping the machine’s controller inside its body. More work will also have to be done to refine the robot’s motor control.
Beyond such improvements, however, Whitesides’ researchers believe a new generation of soft robots could begin to emerge from their lab very soon. With the ability to jump, grapple and slither around the next generation of soft robots could be the prototypes that evolve into real-world products. If that’s the case, then it might not be too long before we see soft robots become real actors in disaster response efforts, police investigations and even interactive digital pets.
Source: New Scientist