a Schematic illustration of a material architecture composed of the functional basis and the shape-morphing structure. The geometries of the microstructured components (SU-8 microrods and PDMS) are enlarged, for clarity. b Schematic illustration of a computational architecture that drives (i), senses (ii), and thereby closed-loop controls the temperature (T) distribution to program thermo-responsive folding. c Demonstration of field-programmability in folding, exemplified by folding region being translated (i), rotated (ii), and accumulated to achieve bending (iii), along with maneuvering fold directionality (iv). For c(ii), red line indicates the principal axis of fold. Scale bars, 15 mm. d–f The high degree of freedom in shape-programming process can display a complicated form of shape as a wavy pattern (d), multifold with diverse orientations (e), and rolling (f). Scale bars, 15 mm. g Investigations on the shape-programming process, using Finite element analysis (i), infrared camera measurement (ii), and RNI temperature estimation (iii). Scale bars, 15 mm.
A flexible robotic sheet that can grasp objects and move across surfaces is presented in Nature Communications this week. This advancement could improve autonomous systems in fields such as exploration, haptic displays (technologies which enable a user to 'feel' a virtual stimuli), and smart healthcare.
Designing robots that can change shape can enable a range of applications, such as exploring environments or manipulating objects. Folding for shape transformation, akin to origami, is an established approach. However, conventional methods with fixed hinge structures restrict the range of configurations and adaptability.
Jung Kim and colleagues engineered a robotic folding sheet made with densely distributed heat-sensitive electrical elements that can change shape when exposed to heat. The authors demonstrate their approach with a 40 cm2 sheet composed of 308 resistors that function both as heaters and sensors. This dual functionality allows for precise control of movement, where the system continuously adjusts based on feedback from its own sensors. The dexterity of the robotic sheet was demonstrated through crawling across a surface as well as the grasping and lifting of various objects, such as a petri dish, plastic packaging, and a wooden stick. Kim and co-authors show that the system can achieve folding angles between -87° to 109° and consistent performance across a range of temperatures (30 °C and 170 °C). The system can also respond quickly and accurately to changes in the environment that warrant increased stability and efficiency.
The authors suggest that this programmable folding sheet can improve the versatility and adaptability of autonomous systems, allowing them to more effectively function on unpredictable terrain. However, further advances in material technology and structural design are needed to fully harness the potential of this technology.
Article details
Field-programmable robotic folding sheet
DOI
10.1038/s41467-025-61838-3
Corresponding Author:
Inkyu Park
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
Email: [email protected]
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