Researchers make soft robots able to curl, climb just like plants

Inspired from plants and their movements, scientists have created a soft robot that can creep and climb in a similar way.

Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in Italy have manufactured a soft, flexible robot that is capable to creep, curl and climb similar to the way plant vines do. The robot contains a flexible polyethylene body filled up with a liquid charged with ions.

It copies the process of plants being able to move and slow grow in a certain direction. Researchers made use of low-voltage battery due to which the flow of electrically-charged liquid within the robot can be directed to one side or the other.

Researchers create robot that looks after plants

The liquid’s movement caused the robot to move in suite, letting it to wind and creep just like that of a plant vine. To unwind the robot, it’s polarity of the charge can simply be reversed, explained Futurism.

Video Courtesy: ScienceVio

Moreover, as per the research published in the journal Nature Communications, this robot could lead to a new generation of soft robots and wearable technology that can change their shapes. Also, this concept could also pave way for super strong robots able to adapt to their surroundings or working with organic beings, as per Science Daily.