Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) have made significant strides in the development of reconfigurable high-speed robots. Their innovation centers on hexagonal robotic components called modules, which can be assembled much like Lego blocks to create a variety of robot configurations. These modular robots offer remarkable flexibility, as they can be rearranged to perform different tasks. This groundbreaking work, led by Christoph Keplinger and his team from the Robotics Materials Department, integrates artificial muscles into these modules, giving them the ability to move at high speeds and adjust their shape.
The team’s research, titled “Hexagonal electrohydraulic module for rapidly reconfigurable high-speed robots,” is set to be published in Scientific Robotics on September 18, 2024. This innovation presents new possibilities in robotics by allowing the same components to be repurposed for multiple functions.
The Science Behind the Hexagonal Modules
Each of the hexagonal robotic modules, referred to as HEXEL, is designed with six lightweight rigid panels made of fiberglass. These panels form the exoskeleton of the module, providing the structure needed for its high-speed movements. What sets this design apart is the inclusion of hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) artificial muscles. These muscles, when activated by high voltage, contract and rotate the hexagonal joints, allowing the module to rapidly shift between different shapes—from long and narrow to wide and flat.
This combination of rigid and soft components is what allows the HEXEL modules to achieve both high speeds and extensive movement. The flexible structure enables a wide range of applications, from crawling through narrow spaces to assembling larger robots for more complex tasks.
The Flexibility of Modular Robotics
One of the key advantages of these hexagonal modules is their ability to be reconfigured for different functions. By connecting several modules, researchers can create robots with different shapes and movements. This modularity allows for a wide range of robotic geometries, providing versatility and adaptability in environments where multiple robotic tasks are needed.
As explained by Ellen Rumley, a visiting researcher from the University of Colorado Boulder, “Combining soft and rigid components in this way allows for high travel and high speeds.” She emphasizes that by linking multiple HEXEL modules, new robot configurations can be created to meet evolving operational needs. Alongside Zachary Yoder, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Robotic Materials, Rumley is a co-author of the study, highlighting the collaboration behind this revolutionary technology.
Demonstration of HEXEL Modules in Action
In a video accompanying the research, the team demonstrates various behaviors that can be achieved with the HEXEL modules. One configuration shows a group of modules crawling across a narrow gap, while a single module moves so fast that it can even leap into the air. Larger, more complex structures are created by combining multiple modules, resulting in fast-rolling robots that can adapt their movements depending on how the modules are connected.
The ability to create different movements by rearranging the modules offers an innovative solution to the growing demand for versatile robots that can perform a wide array of tasks. For instance, in resource-constrained environments, these reconfigurable robots can take on multiple roles without the need for entirely different machines.
Sustainability and Versatility in Robotics
The reconfigurability of these robots makes them a sustainable and cost-effective solution for many industries. Rather than investing in different specialized robots for specific tasks, companies and researchers can use the same set of components to assemble and reassemble robots that serve a variety of purposes. This design not only reduces the cost but also minimizes the environmental impact by reducing the need for multiple devices.
As Zachary Yoder noted, “Reconfigurable modules can be rearranged as needed to provide more versatility than dedicated systems.” This flexibility is particularly beneficial in situations where resources are limited or where operational requirements frequently change. The HEXEL modules represent a shift towards more sustainable robotic designs, capable of fulfilling a range of tasks with just a few reconfigurable components.
The research conducted by the team at MPI-IS marks a significant leap in the field of robotics. By developing hexagonal, reconfigurable modules, the researchers have created a platform for robots that are not only high-speed and adaptable but also sustainable. These modules can be configured for a variety of tasks, making them ideal for both industrial applications and resource-constrained environments.
This innovation opens up new avenues in the world of robotics, where flexibility and adaptability are becoming increasingly important. As the demand for more versatile robots continues to grow, technologies like HEXEL are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.
