Work

Snap inflatable modular metastructures for multipath, multimode morphing machines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The practical success of soft robotics depends largely on actuators with advanced shape-morphing capabilities for tasks such as dexterous manipulation and adaptive locomotion. Traditional soft machines have faced limitations caused by the complexity of managing multiple operational modes within a single device. To address this, we introduce highly adaptable morphing machines that combine modular origami and kirigami designs with pneumatic snap-through and snap-back of bistable shells at tile junctions or kirigami creases. Controlled pressure triggers selective snapping at creases, enabling programmed shape transformations along multiple paths. Our analytical and computational framework predicts system morphology and dynamics, guiding the design of snap inflatable modular metastructures (SIMMs). Utilizing SIMMs, we have developed soft robots capable of navigating diverse terrains and performing multifunctional tasks, demonstrated by "3D spinning ball" and "2D quad-tessellation" modes. This research advances morphing capabilities from a single input source, opening new possibilities for applications including minimally invasive surgery and search and rescue.

Source: Cell Reports Physical Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102448

Authors: Ji-Sung Park, Kanghyun Ki, Anna Lee, Jeong-Yun Sun, Ho-Young Kim

Institutions: Seoul National University, Pohang University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Soft Robotics and Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $5,620

Funder: National Research Foundation of Korea