Multifunctional Mobile Soft Robot

This technology is a multifunctional soft robot mechanism based on a variable-stiffness structure that applies origami and kirigami principles. It uses motor and cable tension to control the folding, unfolding, and rotation of the structure, enabling both locomotion and deformation through two mobile parts.

Conventional soft robots have limitations, such as low stiffness, vulnerability to external forces, and monotonous deformation methods that restrict them to single-function tasks.

Based on the Miura-ori pattern, this technology features a variable structure composed of sub-bases and sub-heads. By adjusting cable tension via motors and pulleys embedded in the first and second mobile parts, the structure’s bending, contraction, and stiffness can be precisely controlled, allowing a single robot to perform various locomotion and deformation tasks. This offers new possibilities beyond the stiffness limitations of existing soft robots, making it highly applicable in environments requiring shape-shifting, such as navigating narrow spaces, entering disaster sites, and logistics automation.

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Key Features:

• A first mobile part including a first mobile body, a first mobile wheel, and a first motor and pulley for generating power.
• A second mobile part including a second mobile body spaced apart from the first mobile body, a second mobile wheel, and a second motor and pulley.
• A plurality of folding bases connecting the first and second mobile parts, composed of first and second sub-bases.
• A structure that controls the bending, contraction, and stiffness of the folding bases by adjusting cable tension via motors and pulleys.