类型：资讯

标题：Mesh Robots Float & Grab Objects On Command

参考译名：网格机器人根据命令浮动和抓取对象

简介：Researchers have been doing a lot with 3D printing magnetic materials. We’ve previously seen magnetic bio-mimicry, medical robots and now mesh robots. A team at North Carolina State University developed these mesh robots by printing silicone architectures with programmable magnetic capillary action. As a result, they’ve developed smart elastomeric structures that reconfigure and reshape in reaction to magnetic fields. The robots can thus pick things up or partake in small actions that could be useful in developing soft robotics or medical tools.

While the robots are best for simpler tasks, they are just an early prototype, as the researchers suggest. “This research shows capabilities in the emerging field of combining 3D printing and soft robotics,” says Orlin Velev, corresponding author of the study. “For now, this is an early stage proof-of-concept for a soft robotic actuator.”

The ultrasoft actuators deform upon interaction with magnetic forces, causing carbonyl iron particles inside them to release or contort. One of the proof of concepts that the researchers presented was a mechanism for holding water droplets. While the magnetic field is on the robot holds on to the droplets and releases the when the field switches off. The design could this be a great way of transporting liquids or mixing them in lab situations.

来源：January 24, 2019  3dprinting.com

链接：https://3dprinting.com/news/mesh-robots-float-grab-objects-command/