Harvard scientists make world's first soft-bodied robot

Powered by a chemical reaction controlled by microfluidics, 3D-printed ‘octobot’ has no electronics.

When scientists talk about robots, normally rough metallic creatures come into mind. But the latest robot is nothing of the kind.

All its components are as soft and flexible as an octopus. That is why they named it Octobot. The 3D printed machine is a novel creation of scientists at Harvard University at a very low cost. It is neither electrical, nor mechanical. But it’s powered by fluids.

 Hydrogen peroxide makes the fuel which lasts for four to six minutes. The gas flows through a series of 3D-printed pneumatic chambers that link the Octobot’s eight arms.

But still it can’t be controlled in a particular direction. Scientists believe such robots can be used for marine search and rescue, oceanic temperature sensing, and military surveillance.

 


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