A plant-inspired boost for miniature robots
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have drawn inspiration from the plant world to develop a novel mechanism that significantly boosts the power output and mobility of miniature robots. The team, led by Professor Li Zhang and with input from Zhejiang University and Carnegie Mellon University in the US, has created a light-driven hydrogel launcher that surpasses conventional micro-engineered systems in terms of performance.
The mechanism, inspired by the explosive seed dispersal technique of the squirting cucumber, Ecballium elaterium, utilises a power amplification technique known as ASEF (amplified stress energy fracture).
During the growth of Ecballium elaterium, its pulp transforms into a viscous liquid mass, causing the fruit wall to stretch significantly under pressure. The elastic energy accumulates until the critical pressure is reached, resulting in a fracture that ejects seeds a long way at high speed.
Using this technique allows the miniature robots to achieve greater power and mobility, making them more efficient for various applications, including medical procedures and environmental monitoring.
The study, detailed in the journal Nature Materials, highlights the potential of bio-inspired engineering to transform robotic design. By mimicking natural processes, the team has managed to overcome some of the limitations faced by current micro-robotic systems, such as limited power and mobility.
This innovation opens new possibilities for the deployment of miniature robots in complex environments. The enhanced performance could lead to more effective robotic assistance in minimally invasive surgeries, targeted drug delivery, and precise environmental sampling.
Croucher News published a feature on Zhang in February this year, focussing on his work under the CAS-Croucher Funding Scheme for Joint Laboratories.