Meet the transformer robots that were inspired by origami

Inspired by paper origami and layered muscle fibers, engineers have created shape-shifting bots that can change shape 1000 times.

Shape-morphing abilities are essential for multifunctionality in biological and artificial systems. Many methods have been suggested for shape-shifting in robotics, but few of them can easily transform into many different 3D shapes after being made.

“Taking inspiration from thick origami and hierarchies in nature, we present a hierarchical construction method based on polyhedrons to create an extensive library of compact origami megastructures,” write researchers from North Carolina State University in a paper published by Nature.

To create a transformer robot, engineers used a 3D printer to create hollow plastic cubes and connected 36 of them using rotating hinges. Some hinges were secured with metal pins, while others were wirelessly controlled with a motor.

With just three active motors, scientists successfully transformed the cubes into over a thousand different shapes, including tunnel-like structures, bridge-like formations, and multi-story architectures.

The transformer bots can move forward, backward, and sideways without feet by altering their shape. They can quickly transform from a flat, fully open form to a boxlike, larger cube or fully closed state. Additionally, the bots can carry loads up to three times their own weight.

The research team plans to use their findings in applying transformer robots to real-world applications, such as transforming them into car shapes or using them in space, as modular mechanisms can be assembled and disassembled easily.