Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a soft robot capable of continuous jumping powered solely by infrared light. The device, named the Ring Jumper, operates without batteries, motors, or complex electronic control systems, relying instead on the material properties of liquid crystal elastomers.
The robot features a teardrop-shaped ring attached to a V-shaped aluminum structure. When exposed to infrared light, the elastomer contracts, causing the ring to twist and store elastic potential energy. Once a critical threshold is reached, the energy is released, forcing the V-shaped component to strike the ground and propel the robot into the air.
The robot automatically resets to its initial state after each jump, allowing for sustained movement as long as the light source remains active. By adjusting the angle of the V-shaped aluminum piece, researchers can switch the robot's movement mode between crawling, forward jumping, and vertical leaping.
Experimental results show that a 120-degree angle facilitates crawling, 90 degrees enables forward jumping, and 50 degrees allows for vertical movement. Additionally, adding weight to the rounded end of the teardrop structure improves jump distance and stability, while controlling light intensity remains essential for consistent performance.