Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the University of Colorado Boulder have created a revolutionary soft-bodied robot capable of rapidly adapting its shape to seamlessly interact with objects and liquids, respond to human touch, and display legible text – all simultaneously. Will the show ultimately find its way onto production floors, hospital labs, or even personal spaces, showcasing an abundance of efficient functionality?
Imagine an iPad that transcends its conventional boundaries – a canvas that can transform into a dynamic workspace, allowing users to bring 3D creations to life, craft interactive haikus that leap off the screen, and even provide comforting proximity for loved ones through distance by projecting their hand onto the display.
The vision is that of a team of engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Stuttgart, Germany. Researchers have unveiled a pioneering innovation – a shape-shifting display designed specifically for card gaming enthusiasts to enjoy from the comfort of their own desk. The device comprises a 10×10 array of robotic “muscle fibers,” capable of detecting external stimuli, which can contract to generate intricate patterns. It’s precisely swift enough to generate scrolling textual content and quick enough to rattle a chemistry beaker filled with liquid.
In an era dominated by digital communication, this unique experience has the potential to deliver something even rarer: a genuine sense of human connection.
With advancements in know-how, we initially transmitted textual content over vast distances, subsequently audio, and finally video, remarks Brian Johnson, one of two lead authors of the newly published study, who obtained his doctorate in mechanical engineering from CU Boulder in 2022 and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. “However we’re nonetheless lacking contact.”
A team led by Christoph Keplinger, formerly an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder and currently a director at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS), has built upon a category of emotionally intelligent robots that he previously pioneered. Dubbed Hydraulically Amplified Self-Therapeutic Electrostatic (HASEL) actuators for their innovative design. The prototype hasn’t been prepared for market introduction yet. While researchers predict advancements, they foresee potential breakthroughs leading to innovative applications like tactile feedback gloves for immersive gaming experiences or intelligent conveyor belts that can transform bananas into apples through shape-shifting processes.
Researchers could conceivably design diverse configurations of sensory and motor cells, notes Dr. Mantas Naris, co-author of the study and a Ph.D. student at Paul’s institution, suggesting limitless possibilities for the integration of these essential components. Rady Division of Mechanical Engineering. “There’s no theoretical limit to what these technologies may ultimately yield.”
Taking part in the accordion
The challenge stems from a quest for innovative knowledge: developing artificial organs.
In 2017, a research team led by Mark Rentschler, professor of mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, received funding from the National Science Foundation to develop sTISSUE – artificial organs that mimic the appearance, behavior, and sensation of actual human body parts, yet are composed entirely of plastic-like materials.
According to Rentschler, co-author of the recent study, synthetic organs could be employed to aid in the development of medical devices or surgical robotic instruments at a significantly lower cost compared to using real animal tissue.
While developing this expertise, however, the team settled on the concept of a tabletop presentation.
The group’s design focuses on measuring a Scrabble game board, comprising small squares arranged in a grid, similar to other types of game boards. Each of hundreds of identical squares represents a Hassel actuators, individually designed and crafted for unique functionality. Actuators are fabricated from miniature accordion-like plastic pouches. When electricity passes through them, fluid flows freely around the pouches, causing the accordion to expand and spring back into shape.
The actuators incorporate smooth, magnetic sensors that can detect when touched. This allows for some enjoyable activities, as stated by Johnson.
Because the sensors rely on magnetism, our team has developed a magnetic wand that can be used to detect and track objects on the floor.
Hear that?
While various research teams have created high-performing tablets, the University of Colorado Boulder’s model stands out for its unique combination of softness, compact design, and rapid processing capabilities. Each of its robotic muscle groups can perform up to 3,000 instances per minute.
Researchers are concentrating efforts on miniaturizing actuators to prolong the lifespan of the device, essentially equivalent to increasing the resolution of a PC display by adding more pixels.
Imagine loading a webpage on your smartphone, only to see it displayed in Braille characters on your screen, as if the tactile lines of embossed text had suddenly come to life.
The team is simultaneously striving to upend the format of the presentation. Engineers may create a tactile feedback glove that simulates the sensation of touch by gently poking the fingertips, allowing users to “feel” virtual objects in augmented reality settings.
While Rentschler notes that the show can convey another aspect – a moment of serenity and tranquility? “Our system is, basically, silent. The actuators emit virtually no audible sound.
A team of CU Boulder researchers, comprising Nikolaus Correll, affiliate professor in the Department of Computer Science, Sean Humbert, professor of mechanical engineering, as well as graduate students Vani Sundaram, Angella Volchko, and Khoi Ly; and alumni Shane Mitchell, Eric Acome, and Nick Kellaris. As a co-author, Christoph Keplinger held multiple positions simultaneously at CU Boulder and MPI-IS, contributing to collaborative efforts in each role.
Max Planck Institute for Clever Methods
The aim is to investigate and comprehend the governing principles of sophisticated methods and the intrinsic perception-action-learning cycle.
