1.5—Shape-Shifting, Insect-Inspired Miniature Robots

Shape-morphing, insect-scale robots that feature an origami-inspired design and eight independently actuated degrees of freedom, powered by custom piezoelectric actuators for enhanced mechanical dexterity. Integrated proprioceptive sensing enables intelligent, closed-loop control, allowing the robots to navigate confined and unpredictable environments with precision. Their modular and scalable architecture makes them ideal for real-world applications such as inspection, rescue, and maintenance in hard-to-reach spaces.

Inventor: Kaushik Jayaram (CU Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering)

Potential Applications: Hardware and Instrumentation, Robotics