Springtail-inspired Light-driven Soft Jumping Robots Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Monolithic Three-leaf Panel Fold Structure

Jump is an important form of motion that enables animals to escape from predators, increase their range of activities, and better adapt to the environment. Inspired by springtails, we describe a light-driven soft jumping robot based on a double-folded liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) ribbon actuator with a monolithic three-leaf panel fold structure. This robot can achieve remarkable jumping height, jumping distance, and maximum take-off velocity, of up to 87 body length (BL), 65 BL, and 930 BL s(-1), respectively, under near-infrared light irradiation. Further, it is possible to control the height, distance, and direction of jump by changing the size and crease angle of the double-folded LCE ribbon actuators. These robots can efficiently jump over obstacles and can jump continuously, even in complex environments. Our simple design strategy improves the performance of jumping actuators and we expect it to have a wide-ranging impact on the strength, continuity, and adaptability of future soft robots.

Automated summary

Jumping is an important motion for animals to escape predators and adapt to the environment. Inspired by springtails, researchers have developed a light-driven soft jumping robot with impressive jumping capabilities. By changing the size and crease angle of the ribbon actuators, the robot can control its jump height, distance, and direction. These robots can efficiently jump over obstacles and continue jumping in complex environments, showing promising potential for future soft robots.