Octopus-inspired design could transform underwater vehicles
A team of engineers at the University of Iowa has developed a new underwater technology that takes inspiration from the incredible abilities of the...
How a “snap” effect could power the future of soft robots
We are all familiar with the satisfying click of a pen or the snap of a hair clip.
Behind these simple motions lies a powerful...
Starfish-inspired tube feet could give underwater robots a strong grip
Soft robotics is a growing field that uses flexible, bendable materials instead of rigid machines.
These soft systems are especially promising for underwater tasks where...
Ancient basketweaving inspires stronger, smarter robots
A craft that dates back thousands of years may hold the key to building tougher, more resilient robots and other modern technologies.
Inspired by prehistoric...
This modular robot could create bridges, rescue tools, and temporary shelters
A new generation of modular robots is proving they can handle tough tasks outside the lab.
Developed by researchers at Dartmouth College along with collaborators...
This paper-based soft robot can crawl like a caterpillar
Nature often provides inspiration for new technologies, and this time it’s the humble caterpillar that has sparked a breakthrough in robotics.
A team of researchers...
Robots get a new sense of touch that can see danger coming
Robots are becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives. They help in hospitals, factories, farms, and even in homes.
But for robots to work...
This tiny robot could talk and work together like living organisms
Imagine robots so small you could barely see them, yet smart enough to sense their environment, talk to each other, and work as a...
Cyborg jellyfish could unlock the secrets of the deep sea
In a darkened lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, moon jellyfish glide gracefully inside a tall aquarium.
Their translucent bodies, glowing under neon lights,...
Ripple bugs inspire new robots with shape-shifting feet
Nature’s smallest creatures often hide the most remarkable secrets.
A team of scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Ajou...