A new robot arm, inspired by origami, is designed to biodegrade once its job is done. This soft robot is made from materials derived from cotton plants and pigs. It can be used for medical procedures inside the body and then safely dissolve away.
Soft robotics is a growing field that focuses on creating flexible robots for safe and delicate tasks. Most soft robots are usually made from synthetic materials, but this new robot is different. Created by scientists at Westlake University in China, it is made from cellulose and gelatin, making it biodegradable.
The robot arm is controlled by a computer and can also act as a controller itself. It is made in an origami shape that can bend and compress, allowing it to move in different directions. By adjusting internal threads, the arm can be manipulated using external motors.
The gelatin in the robot arm also works as a sensor, changing resistance when bent. This helps determine the arm’s position. The researchers believe that such robots could be essential in reducing waste on the planet, as they can degrade harmlessly when no longer needed.
Experts like Kaspar Althoefer from Queen Mary University of London see great potential for soft robotics in various applications, including industrial processes, safe interactions with humans, and medical procedures like surgery.
Vocabulary List:
- Biodegrade /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈɡreɪd/ (verb): To break down naturally by microorganisms or other biological means.
- Synthetic /sɪnˈθɛtɪk/ (adjective): Made by chemical synthesis especially to imitate a natural product.
- Celulose /ˈsɛljuˌloʊs/ (noun): A substance found in the cell walls of plants used in the production of fiber.
- Gelatin /ˈdʒɛlətɪn/ (noun): A translucent colorless flavorless food ingredient derived from collagen.
- Manipulated /məˈnɪpjʊleɪtɪd/ (verb): Handled or controlled in a skillful manner.
- Resistance /rɪˈzɪstəns/ (noun): The refusal to accept or comply with something; the ability to withstand something.
How much do you know?
What are the main materials used to make the biodegradable robot arm?
Where was the new biodegradable robot arm created?
What does the gelatin in the robot arm act as?
Who sees great potential for soft robotics in various applications?
In what shape is the robot arm designed?
What can the robot arm do to move in different directions?
The biodegradable robot arm is made from synthetic materials.
The robot arm is controlled by manual manipulation.
The gelatin in the robot arm helps determine its position.
Soft robotics focuses on creating rigid robots for heavy-duty tasks.
The robot arm was inspired by the art of sculpting.
Kaspar Althoefer is associated with Queen Mary University of London.
The robot arm is made from and gelatin.
Soft robotics focuses on creating flexible robots for tasks.
The robot arm can be controlled by a .
The researchers believe that biodegradable robots could help in reducing on the planet.
Kaspar Althoefer sees great potential for soft robotics in industrial processes, interactions with humans, and .
The robot arm is designed to biodegrade once its is done.
