Shape-Shifting 'Transformer Bots' Inspired by Origami
Origami Meets Robotics: A Folding Revolution Engineers have taken inspiration from the ancient Japanese art of origami and applied it to robotics. Imagine a single plastic cubed structure that can transform into over 1,000 different configurations using just three active movements. These "transformer bots" adapt to their environment, whether it's navigating tight spaces or unfolding into larger structures. It's like having a Swiss Army knife robot at your service¹. Self-Powered 'Bugs' Skim Across Water for Environmental Data Meet the aquatic "bugs" that don't need batteries. Researchers have developed self-powered devices that skim across water surfaces, collecting environmental data. These tiny marvels could revolutionize aquatic monitoring, from tracking pollution levels to studying marine ecosystems. Nature-inspired innovation takes flight—well, glide—on water¹. Generative AI Pioneers Child Language Learning In the realm of education, generati