Toward a Squishier Robot: Pitt engineers design synthetic gel that changes shape and moves via its own internal energy

(May 5, 2015)  For decades, robots have advanced the efficiency of human activity. Typically, however, robots are formed from bulky, stiff materials and require connections to external power sources; these features limit their dexterity and mobility. But what if a new material would allow for development of a "soft robot" that could reconfigure its own shape and move using its own internally generated power?  

read entire press  release >>

journal reference (Open Access) >>