Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a ring-shaped soft robot powered by infrared radiation. The device consists of a liquid crystal elastomer cord secured by an aluminum V-shaped clamp. When exposed to infrared light, the cord contracts and twists, storing energy until the clamp releases, propelling the robot forward or upward.
The robot can jump repeatedly as long as it receives infrared radiation. By adjusting the angle of the V-shaped clamp, researchers control the movement: a 120-degree angle enables crawling, 90 degrees results in a forward jump, and 50 degrees causes a vertical leap. The robot can jump forward up to three times its body length or upward to 80 times its height.
Stability and distance can be enhanced by adding weight to the side opposite the clamp, shifting the center of mass. The developers note that these robots do not require manual resetting between jumps. While specific applications are currently undefined, the team suggests they could eventually be equipped with low-power sensors for use in difficult-to-reach environments.
