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Arc-heating actuated active-morphing insect robots

Author

Listed:
  • Jingyu Che

    (Beihang University)

  • Xiangyu Yang

    (Beihang University)

  • Jinzhe Peng

    (Beihang University)

  • Jingyi Li

    (Beihang University)

  • Zhiwei Liu

    (Beihang University
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Aero-Engine
    National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Aero-Engine Aero-thermodynamics
    Beijing Key Laboratory of Aero-Engine Structure and Strength)

  • Mingjing Qi

    (Beihang University
    Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Aero-Engine
    National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Aero-Engine Aero-thermodynamics
    Beijing Key Laboratory of Aero-Engine Structure and Strength)

Abstract

In nature, insects can swiftly move and actively morph to adapt to complex and varied conditions. However, replicating this capability in insect-scale robots requires sophisticated structural designs, which are difficult to achieve at such a small scale without fundamental hardware innovations. This work proposes a coupling mechanism between actuation and morphing by combining an arc-heating actuator and shape memory alloy wires, presenting a fast insect-scale robot (83.4 body lengths per second) capable of active morphing and self-recovery. The arc-heating actuator is designed to provide the kinetic energy and the thermal energy essential for deforming the wires. The robot can compress its body thickness to traverse through a gap of 70% its height smoothly within 2.2 seconds and is amphibious. Furthermore, after enduring pressure 5 million times its weight, the robot is flattened, but fully recovers its original size and performance in just a few seconds.

Suggested Citation

  • Jingyu Che & Xiangyu Yang & Jinzhe Peng & Jingyi Li & Zhiwei Liu & Mingjing Qi, 2025. "Arc-heating actuated active-morphing insect robots," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58258-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58258-8
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