· Research & technology· 日本語で読む
NC State Develops Teardrop-Shaped Soft Robot That Keeps Jumping Under Infrared Light
A research team at North Carolina State University (NC State) has developed a teardrop-shaped soft robot that keeps jumping as long as it is exposed to infrared light. The robot has a self-resetting mechanism that stores and releases twisting energy, with potential applications in environmental exploration and swarm robotics. The findings were published in PNAS.
What happened
A research team at North Carolina State University (NC State) announced that it had developed a teardrop-shaped soft robot that keeps jumping as long as it is exposed to infrared light.
Why it matters
Continuous exposure to infrared light makes the robot jump repeatedly on its own, without requiring it to be reset after each jump. This clarifies design requirements for soft robots that need to move continuously. The angle of the V shape, the placement of weights and the intensity of the light can be used to produce forward, vertical or irregular jumps, offering clues for motion control.
Sources
Translated from the Japanese original: /news/nc-state-hikari-de-hane-tsuzuke-ru-jiko-risetto-kata-sofutor-86e0cd. The Japanese version is authoritative if they differ.