Imagine a world where robots roam freely without any electronics or electricity. It sounds like science fiction, but researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have made it a reality. They’ve developed a groundbreaking robot that operates solely on compressed gas, challenging the traditional belief that robots need complex electronics to function.
The team behind this innovation aimed to make these robots not just revolutionary but also accessible and affordable. By using a desktop 3D printer and common materials, they’ve managed to keep the cost of each unit around $20. These robots are crafted from flexible, 3D-printed filaments that act as both the muscles and brains, if you will, of the operation.
“We’ve taken a giant leap forward with a robot that walks entirely on its own,” says Yichen Zhai, the project’s lead postdoctoral scholar. The secret sauce here is a pneumatic oscillating circuit. It works a bit like a steam engine, using timed air pressure sequences to move the robot’s legs. With six legs and four degrees of freedom, these robots can tackle various terrains, from sandy beaches to grassy fields, and even underwater, all without a single wire or battery in sight.
In lab tests, these robots kept going for up to three days, as long as they had a steady gas supply. The absence of electronics makes them perfect for harsh environments like radiation zones, disaster sites, or even outer space, where traditional robots might struggle.
Looking ahead, researchers are exploring self-contained designs that store compressed gas within the robots themselves. They’re also considering recyclable materials to boost sustainability. Thanks to a collaboration with BASF through the California Research Alliance, they’ve been able to test different soft materials, ensuring these robots remain cost-effective and durable.
