Inspired by the art of Origami, researchers from the United States have created a plastic cubic structure that can be “assembled” and transform its shape in space.
Origami is a traditional Japanese art form that transforms a simple sheet of paper into complex creations such as dragons, phoenixes, and the Eiffel Tower.
Engineers from the University of North Carolina have developed a cubic structure based on Origami art for building space architecture (Photo: Research Team).
Drawing inspiration from this art form, engineers from the University of North Carolina (USA) have created a plastic cubic structure that can transform into over 1,000 configurations simply by the movement of three motors.
The research team stated that these modular structures can be sent into space in their most basic form via a rocket. They can then “transform” into complex scientific instruments, serving various purposes.
“Starting from a modular form when sent into space, the robot can assemble into temporary shelters or long-term habitats for astronauts,” shared Antonio Di Lallo, co-author of the study.
The unique aspect of this model is that it is entirely constructed from hollow plastic through a 3D printing process. The components are assembled with rotating hinges and secured with metal pins. Meanwhile, some other parts are activated wirelessly by motors.
Thanks to the architecture of cubes, the robot can transform into many complex shapes (Photo: Nature).
The researchers have been able to transform the robot structures into various shapes, ranging from tubular and spherical forms to multi-level architectures.
During the transformation process, the shape-shifting robot can also move forward, backward, and sideways.
The model can relatively quickly transform from a flat or fully closed shape into a cube.
The robot can also carry loads approximately three times its weight and move up an inclined plane, the research team reported.
However, there are still some limitations to this model. The first is the material and load-bearing capacity of the robot. Next, the adaptability to the space environment, with many impacts such as radiation and temperature, remains a significant question mark.
