Robotic Metamaterials: A Modular System for Hands-On Configuration of Ad-Hoc Dynamic Applications

Zhitong Cui, Shuhong Wang, Violet Yinuo Han, Tucker Rae-Grant, Willa Yunqi Yang, Alan Zhu, Scott E. Hudson, and Alexandra Ion
ACM CHI 2024
Abstract
We propose augmenting initially passive structures built from simple repeated cells, with novel active units to enable dynamic, shape-changing, and robotic applications. Inspired by metamaterials that can employ mechanisms, we build a framework that allows users to configure cells of this passive structure to allow it to perform complex tasks. A key benefit is that our structures can be repeatedly (re)configured by users inserting our configuration units to turn the passive material into, e.g., locomotion robots, integrated motion platforms, or interactive interfaces, as we demonstrate in this paper.
Paper
View paper PDF
View in ACM Digital Library
Video Figure
Robotic Metamaterials: A Modular System for Hands-On Configuration of Ad-Hoc Dynamic Applications | Violet Han