‘Transformer bots’ capable of over 1,000 configurations

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Engineers have developed a way to make a single plastic cubed structure transform into over 1,000 configurations using three active motors, an advance with potential uses beyond Earth.

Transformer bots can form over 1,000 shapes
Transformer bots can form over 1,000 shapes - Photo courtesy of Jie Yin, NC State University

The findings from North Carolina State University, which are detailed in Nature Communications, could lead to shape-shifting artificial systems that can take on multiple functions that include carrying a load.

In a statement, co-corresponding author Jie Yin, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, said: “The question we’re asking is how to achieve a number of versatile shapes with the fewest number of actuators powering the shapeshifting. Here we use a hierarchical concept observed in nature – like layered muscle fibres – but with plastic cubes to create a transforming robot.”

According to NC State, the researchers assembled hollow, plastic cubes using a 3D printer and assembled 36 of them together with rotating hinges; some hinges were fixed with metal pins, while others were activated wirelessly with a motor.

The researchers were able to move the cubes into over 1,000 shapes using three active motors. Those shapes included tunnel-like structures, bridge-like structures and multi-story architectures.

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