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A non-electrical pneumatic hybrid oscillator for high-frequency multimodal robotic locomotion

Author

Listed:
  • Genliang Chen

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Yongzhou Long

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Siyue Yao

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Shujie Tang

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Junjie Luo

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Hao Wang

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Zhuang Zhang

    (Fudan University
    Westlake University)

  • Hanqing Jiang

    (Westlake University
    Westlake University)

Abstract

Pneumatic oscillators, incorporating soft non-electrical logic gates, offer an efficient means of actuating robots to perform tasks in extreme environments. However, the current design paradigms for these devices typically feature uniform structures with low rigidity, which restricts their oscillation frequency and limits their functions. Here, we present a pneumatic hybrid oscillator that integrates a snap-through buckling beam, fabric chambers, and a switch valve into its hybrid architecture. This design creates a stiffness gradient through a soft-elastic-rigid coupling mechanism, which substantially boosts the oscillator’s frequency and broadens its versatility in robotic applications. Leveraging the characteristic capabilities of the oscillator, three distinct robots are developed, including a bionic jumping robot with high motion speed, a crawling robot with a pre-programmed logic gait, and a swimming robot with adjustable motion patterns. This work provides an effective design paradigm in robotics, enabling autonomous and efficient execution of complex, high-performance tasks, without relying on electronic control systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Genliang Chen & Yongzhou Long & Siyue Yao & Shujie Tang & Junjie Luo & Hao Wang & Zhuang Zhang & Hanqing Jiang, 2025. "A non-electrical pneumatic hybrid oscillator for high-frequency multimodal robotic locomotion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56704-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56704-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Anne Helene Gelebart & Dirk Jan Mulder & Michael Varga & Andrew Konya & Ghislaine Vantomme & E. W. Meijer & Robin L. B. Selinger & Dirk J. Broer, 2017. "Making waves in a photoactive polymer film," Nature, Nature, vol. 546(7660), pages 632-636, June.
    3. Michael Wehner & Ryan L. Truby & Daniel J. Fitzgerald & Bobak Mosadegh & George M. Whitesides & Jennifer A. Lewis & Robert J. Wood, 2016. "An integrated design and fabrication strategy for entirely soft, autonomous robots," Nature, Nature, vol. 536(7617), pages 451-455, August.
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