24 MOMENTUM • VIRGINIA TECH MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
properties of the materials were really important to morph , fix into shape rapidly , then return to the original shape ,” Hwang said .
The researchers found that this kirigami-inspired composite design could create complex shapes , from cylinders to balls to the bumpy shape of the bottom of a pepper . Shape change could also be achieved quickly : After impact with a ball , the shape changed and fixed into place in less than 1 / 10 of a second . Also , if the material broke , it could be healed multiple times by melting and reforming the metal endoskeleton .
One drone for land and air , one for sea
The applications for this technology are only starting to unfold . By combining this material with onboard power , control , and motors , the team created a functional drone that autonomously morphs from a ground to air vehicle . The team also created a small , deployable submarine , using the morphing and returning of the material to retrieve objects from an aquarium by scraping the belly of the sub along the bottom .
“ We ’ re excited about the opportunities this material presents for multifunctional robots . These composites are strong enough to withstand the forces from motors or propulsion systems , yet can readily shape morph , which allows machines to adapt to their environment ,” said Barron .
Looking forward , the researchers envision the morphing composites playing a role in the emerging field of soft robotics to create machines that can perform diverse functions , self-heal after being damaged to increase resilience , and spur different ideas in human-machine interfaces and wearable devices .
This project was funded through Bartlett ’ s DARPA Young Faculty Award and Director ’ s Fellowship .
Two different states of the same drone , made possible by soft robotic shape morphing .