Article Synopsis
- Insects can exhibit remarkable strength and endurance despite their small size, outpacing current insect-scale robots due to limitations in microactuator technologies.
- A new soft combustion microactuator, weighing only 325 milligrams, shows significant improvements with 140% displacement, >100 Hz frequency, and forces over 9.5 newtons using high-energy chemical fuels.
- This innovation allowed the creation of a quadrupedal robot that can perform various gaits, control directions, and carry loads 22 times its weight, enabling it to navigate challenging terrains and obstacles.
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Article Abstract
Insects perform feats of strength and endurance that belie their small stature. Insect-scale robots-although subject to the same scaling laws-demonstrate reduced performance because existing microactuator technologies are driven by low-energy density power sources and produce small forces and/or displacements. The use of high-energy density chemical fuels to power small, soft actuators represents a possible solution. We demonstrate a 325-milligram soft combustion microactuator that can achieve displacements of 140%, operate at frequencies >100 hertz, and generate forces >9.5 newtons. With these actuators, we powered an insect-scale quadrupedal robot, which demonstrated a variety of gait patterns, directional control, and a payload capacity 22 times its body weight. These features enabled locomotion through uneven terrain and over obstacles.
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