The new untethered soft robot, developed by engineers at the University of Waterloo in Canada, utilises ultraviolet (UV) light and magnetic force to move on any surface, even up walls and across ceilings.
It is the first soft robot of its kind that doesn't require connection to an external power supply, enabling remote operation and versatility for potential applications such as assisting surgeons and searching otherwise inaccessible places.
“This work is the first time a holistic soft robot has climbed on inverted surfaces, advancing state-of-the-art soft robotics innovation,” said Dr Boxin Zhao, a professor of chemical engineering. “We are optimistic about its potential, with much more development, in several different fields.”
Constructed from a smart material, the robot - dubbed the GeiwBot by researchers because of the creatures that inspired it - can be altered at the molecular level to mimic how geckos stick and unstick powerful grippers on...