Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a 3D-printed robot that can walk without electricity or electronics.
When we think about robots, we think about complex electronic devices. We’re conditioned to think about robots as sophisticated machines controlled by intricate programming and powered by advanced electronics.
But a group of researchers at UC San Diego has flipped that idea on its head!The team has developed a groundbreaking robot that can walk without the need for electronics or complex assembly. With only a cartridge of compressed gas and a single 3D-printed material, these robots can walk right off the printer. Simple materials, complex materialsThe team’s goal was to create walking robots using only the most accessible technology: a desktop 3D printer and standard off-the-shelf printing material. Not only does this make robots affordable, costing around $20 to make, but it also makes them robust and versatile. These soft robots are built without traditional rigid components. Instead, they are made from flexible, 3D-printed filaments designed to function as artificial muscles and control systems all in one. Led by postdoctoral scholar Yichen Zhai in Tolley’s lab, the researchers faced the challenge of designing a robot that could move using only soft structures. “We have taken a giant leap forward with a robot that walks entirely on its own,” Zhai said. How does it work?To make the robot move, the team created a pneumatic oscillating circuit, which controls the movement of soft actuators. The system works much like a steam engine, delivering air pressure in carefully timed sequences. This allows two sets of three legs to move alternately, creating a walking motion. The robot’s six legs have four degrees of freedom, enabling them to move up and down as well as forward and backward, helping the robot walk in a straight line.Once connected to a steady supply of compressed gas, these robots can function continuously. Lab tests showed that they could keep going for up to three days without stopping. The team also demonstrated that the robot could operate outdoors, completely unplugged, by using a portable compressed gas cartridge.It was even able to navigate across various terrains, such as turf, sand, and underwater environments.Future possibilitiesBecause the robots don’t rely on electronics, they can function in extreme conditions where traditional machines would fail — like areas with high radiation, disaster zones, or even outer space. “These robots are not manufactured with any of the traditional, rigid components researchers typically use,” Tolley explained.The team, led by postdoctoral scholar Yichen Zhai, had previously adapted this 3D printing technique to build an electronics-free gripper — and now, they’ve taken it further.Looking ahead, the research team is exploring ways to store compressed gas inside the robots, making them completely self-contained. They also plan to use recyclable or biodegradable materials and are considering adding manipulators like grippers to expand the robots’ functionality even more.In collaboration with BASF through the California Research Alliance , the team tested different soft materials for 3D printing. While some high-end materials are not yet commercially available, the researchers successfully built these robots using standard, affordable materials.Their work was featured in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems.
Affordable Robotics Autonomous Robots Bioinspired Robotics Compressed Gas Robotics Robotics Research UC San Diego
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