Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) have created innovative hexagon-shaped robotic components, known as modules, that snap together like LEGO pieces to form versatile, high-speed robots. These modules can be reconfigured for various tasks, offering a flexible approach to robotics. Led by Christoph Keplinger, the Robotic Materials Department team integrated artificial muscles into the hexagonal exoskeletons, embedding them with magnets for fast mechanical and electrical connections. Their findings will be published in Science Robotics on September 18, 2024, under the title "Hexagonal electrohydraulic modules for rapidly reconfigurable high-speed robots."
Each HEXEL module is built with a lightweight exoskeleton made of six rigid glass fiber plates. The module's inner joints are powered by hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) artificial muscles. When high voltage is applied, the muscles activate, rotating the joints and transforming the hexagon's shape from elongated and narrow to wide and flat.
"Combining soft and rigid components in this way enables high strokes and high speeds. By connecting several modules, we can create new robot geometries and repurpose them for changing needs," explained Ellen Rumley, a visiting researcher from the University of Colorado Boulder and co-first author of the study alongside fellow Ph.D. student Zachary Yoder.
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The team demonstrated the versatility of HEXEL modules in a video showcasing various robotic behaviors. For example, a single module moves quickly enough to leap into the air, while a group of modules crawls through a narrow gap. By connecting multiple modules, the researchers created larger robots with different motions depending on their configuration, such as a robot capable of rapid rolling.
"Developing robots with reconfigurable capabilities is a sustainable design approach," Yoder noted. "Instead of purchasing multiple specialized robots for different tasks, we can use the same components to build various robots on demand. This versatility is especially valuable in resource-limited environments."
The HEXEL modules provide a compelling glimpse into the future of adaptable and multifunctional robotic systems, paving the way for innovative applications in robotics.