The newest soft-serve robot is here!
Made by researchers at MIT, Meshworm is modeled after earthworms. Similar also to snails and sea cucumbers, the Meshworm uses stretching and squeezing motions to propel itself forward, utilizing the segments of its body. Even though the Meshworm seems soft, it’s actually quite durable, using nickel and titanium to construct an artificial muscle, and then wrapped around to separate the robot into segments. By stimulating it with an electrical charge, the wire expands and contracts, changing shape and propelling the robot forwards. What’s more, it can withstand large amounts of pressure, as demonstrated when it is hit by a hammer and stepped on with a shoe without any visible deterioration.
Scientists say that this soft robot can be used to navigate through rough terrain or squeeze through small spaces, and its flexibility and softness as well as its amazing resilience make it an effective robot in such situations.
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