Battery-Free Robots Utilize Origami to Seamlessly Transform Shape in Mid-Air

Introduction:

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed small robotic devices that can change their movement in the air by folding up. These “microfliers” use an origami fold to switch from tumbling through the air to dropping straight to the ground. They are lightweight, have onboard sensors, and can travel impressive distances.

Full Article: Battery-Free Robots Utilize Origami to Seamlessly Transform Shape in Mid-Air

Small Robotic Devices Mimic Leaf Flight Patterns

Researchers at the University of Washington have made a breakthrough in robotics technology with the development of small robotic devices that can change their movement through the air by “snapping” into a folded position during their descent. These devices, known as “microfliers,” utilize the principles of Miura-ori origami fold to transition from tumbling and dispersing outward to dropping straight to the ground.

The Transition Mechanism

The researchers have employed various methods to control the timing of each microflier’s transition. These include an onboard pressure sensor that estimates altitude, an onboard timer, or a Bluetooth signal. Through these mechanisms, the devices can spread out and control their descent accurately.

Advanced Design and Capabilities

Microfliers weigh a mere 400 milligrams, which is approximately half the weight of a nail. When dropped from a height of 40 meters (131 feet) in a light breeze, they can travel the distance of a football field. The devices are equipped with an onboard battery-free actuator, a solar power-harvesting circuit, and a controller to trigger mid-air shape changes. They also have the ability to carry onboard sensors for collecting data on temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions during flight.

Origami-Inspired Innovation

The research team, led by UW assistant professor Vikram Iyer, implemented origami designs to enhance the capabilities of the microfliers. Iyer explains, “Using origami opens up a new design space for microfliers. We combine the Miura-ori fold, which is inspired by geometric patterns found in leaves, with power harvesting and tiny actuators to allow our fliers to mimic the flight of different leaf types in mid-air. This highly energy-efficient method allows us to have battery-free control over microflier descent, which was not possible before.”

Overcoming Design Challenges

The robotic systems developed by the researchers overcome several design challenges. Firstly, they are stiff enough to avoid accidentally transitioning to the folded state before intended. Additionally, the devices can rapidly transition between states, with the folding process initiated within 25 milliseconds. Moreover, these microfliers can change shape while untethered from a power source, as their power-harvesting circuit utilizes sunlight to provide energy to the actuator.

Future Directions

Currently, the microfliers can only transition from the tumbling state to the falling state. However, the researchers envision future devices that can transition in both directions, enabling more precise landings even in turbulent wind conditions.

Research Funding

This research project was made possible with funding from a Moore Foundation fellowship, the National Science Foundation, the National GEM Consortium, the Google fellowship program, the Cadence fellowship program, the Washington NASA Space Grant fellowship program, and the SPEEA ACE fellowship program.

For more information, refer to the publication in Science Robotics by the team of researchers from the University of Washington.

Summary: Battery-Free Robots Utilize Origami to Seamlessly Transform Shape in Mid-Air

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed small robotic devices that can change their shape in mid-air by using an origami fold. These “microfliers” can be dropped from a drone and are controlled to transition from tumbling through the air to dropping straight to the ground. The devices weigh only 400 milligrams and can travel long distances. This innovation paves the way for battery-free control of flight and the ability to survey environmental conditions while in the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do battery-free robots use origami to change shape in mid-air?

Battery-free robots are designed with intricate origami structures that are made from lightweight materials. These robots utilize shape-memory alloys or smart materials which can be programmed to change their shape based on external stimuli such as heat, humidity, or magnetic fields. By carefully designing these origami-inspired structures, scientists have enabled the robots to fold, unfold, or morph into different configurations without the need for batteries or external power sources.

2. What are the advantages of using battery-free robots?

There are several advantages to using battery-free robots:

• Environmentally friendly: Battery-free robots do not rely on batteries, eliminating the need for their disposal and reducing electronic waste.
• Cost-effective: By eliminating the need for batteries, the overall production cost of the robots is significantly reduced.
• Increased lifespan: Battery-free robots have the potential for prolonged lifespan as they do not rely on battery power that eventually depletes.
• Flexible applications: The ability to change shape in mid-air allows these robots to adapt to different tasks and environments efficiently.

3. Can battery-free robots be controlled remotely?

Yes, battery-free robots can be controlled remotely using external stimuli. Through the use of sensors and external triggers such as light, heat, or magnetic fields, researchers can manipulate the shape-changing process of these robots. By precisely controlling the environment, the desired shape configuration can be achieved without directly interacting with the robot.

4. Are battery-free robots limited to specific tasks?

No, battery-free robots can be versatile and perform various tasks depending on their design and the programming of their shape-changing capabilities. They can be employed in fields such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and even space exploration. The ability to change shape allows these robots to adapt and overcome different challenges efficiently.

5. Are there any limitations to battery-free robots?

While battery-free robots have many advantages, they also have some limitations:

• Dependence on external stimuli: These robots require specific external triggers to initiate and control their shape-changing process, which may limit their functionality in certain environments.
• Complex design requirements: Creating intricate origami structures and precise programming to achieve desired shapes can be challenging.
• Size and payload limitations: Battery-free robots are often small in size and have limited carrying capacity, making them unsuitable for certain tasks that require more strength or larger sizes.
• Technical constraints: The current technology for battery-free robots is still in the early stages, and further advancements are needed to improve their overall performance and capabilities.