Soft Robotics On the Rise: Light-Powered Robots Navigate Steep Aerial Terrain

Researchers at North Carolina State University have made remarkable progress in the field of robotics with their latest innovation—a light-responsive soft robot that autonomously carries cargo along aerial tracks. This technology, reminiscent of cable cars and aerial trams, demonstrates the potential of soft robotics in handling challenging terrain with impressive efficiency and adaptability.

The team, led by Associate Professor Jie Yin, crafted these robots from ribbon-like liquid crystal elastomers, twisted into looped structures akin to bracelets. These materials enable the robots to move by contracting in reaction to infrared light, creating a rolling motion. This motion effectively pulls sections of the robot forward, allowing it to travel along wires and ropes with varying diameters—from as thin as a strand of human hair to as thick as a drinking straw.

These soft robots can carry loads that are more than 12 times their own weight, and they have demonstrated their ability to surmount slopes with inclines of up to 80 degrees. Such capabilities highlight the potential of this technology in situations where traditional wheeled or tracked robots would struggle.

Beyond just moving in straight lines, these robots can navigate complex paths, overcoming obstacles like knots or bulges in wires. They can also handle three-dimensional spirals and sharp curves with ease, showcasing their versatility in diverse and complex environments.

Looking toward the future, the research team plans to expand the functional capabilities of these robots. By enabling them to respond to other energy inputs, such as sunlight, their range of possible applications could be broadened significantly. This development could be particularly beneficial for scenarios where autonomy and minimal energy reliance are critical, such as in remote area operations or planetary explorations.

This soft robotics technology represents a significant milestone, demonstrating how combining soft material design with autonomous functionality can lead to innovative solutions for transportation in challenging environments. As the team continues to enhance their design, the potential applications for these versatile robots appear both broad and promising, paving the way for new opportunities in automation and transportation logistics.