Italian scientists have created a “robot vine” that grows like a real plant
A group of Italian scientists presented an innovative robot inspired by nature and capable of growing like a living plant. This device is designed using biomimicry, which allows you to reproduce natural processes.
The liana-like robot is able to expand and contract, and its structure resembles a flexible plant stem. The device can actively adapt to the environment, overcoming obstacles and making its way in hard-to-reach places.
The main material for the robotics was the thermoplastic material polylactic acid (PLA). In the manufacturing process, the authors used the fusion deposition modeling (FDM) method.
The robot responds to environmental constraints and stimuli through a combination of passive morphological adaptation and bio-inspired behavioral control that uses a vector field method to estimate movement directions.
The creation of such a robot takes advanced technology to a new level, enriching robotic capabilities.
Its application can be varied – from exploring difficult terrain to helping to perform tasks in hard-to-reach conditions.
This project emphasizes the importance of the interaction between science and nature to create innovative and universal technologies. Scientists expect the robot vine to open new perspectives in the field of robotics and contribute to the development of solutions for complex engineering and research tasks.
