Robot made from pig gelatin biodegrades when no longer needed

A Biodegradable Revolution in Robotics

Imagine a robot that, once its job is done, simply vanishes without harming the environment. Researchers at Westlake University in Zhejiang, China, have brought us one step closer to this futuristic vision by developing a soft robotic arm made from natural materials—including cotton-derived cellulose and pig gelatin—that safely biodegrades when no longer needed.

The Promise of Soft Robotics

Soft robotics is rapidly gaining attention for its versatility in environments where rigid, conventional robots might be hazardous. From navigating the cramped confines of industrial machinery to performing delicate medical procedures inside the human body, soft robots offer a safer and more adaptable alternative. Traditionally built with synthetic materials like silicon rubber, these robots are now embracing eco-friendly, biodegradable components.

Inspired by Origami

Drawing on the principles of origami, the research team, led by Hanqing Jiang, designed a unique Kresling origami structure that forms a flexible, tube-like module. By connecting four of these modules, they constructed a rudimentary robotic arm measuring 240 millimetres in length. The arm’s movement is controlled by three equally spaced internal threads that, when tightened or loosened by external motors, allow it to bend and twist in any direction.

Dual Functionality: Movement and Sensing

What sets this robotic arm apart is its innovative use of pig gelatin—not only as a building material but also as an integrated sensor. As the arm bends, the gelatin alters its electrical resistance, a change that is recorded by a connected computer. This enables precise tracking of the arm’s position, ensuring accurate control. In an impressive demonstration of versatility, the team even repurposed a smaller module as a joystick, where varying resistance values translated into control signals for another soft robotic arm.

Toward a Greener Future

Hanqing Jiang emphasizes the environmental potential of their creation: “In the future we may have more robots on the planet than human beings, so there’ll be lots of waste. It’s crucial that these robots can simply disappear without adding to landfill.” While the current materials are designed to break down harmlessly in nature, future modifications might allow them to biodegrade safely within the human body—opening exciting possibilities for biomedical applications.

Expert Insights

Kaspar Althoefer from Queen Mary University of London envisions a broad spectrum of applications for soft robotics, from industrial processes in tight spaces to interactive tools in medical procedures. “You could in such a scenario leave your tools behind, so to speak, without a problem,” he notes. Althoefer believes that although soft robotics is still a nascent field, its potential to transform technology—and reduce environmental impact—is immense.

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