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Mechanical Systems

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Mechanical systems are analogous to to electrical networks where springs and masses play similar roles to inductors and capacitors, respectively. A viscous damper in mechanical systems functions similarly to a resistor in electrical networks, dissipating energy. The forces acting on a mass in such systems include an applied force in the direction of motion, counteracted by forces from the spring, a viscous damper, and the mass's acceleration. This interplay of forces is mathematically...

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Updated: Dec 8, 2025

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Published on: July 8, 2013

Shape Changing Robots: Bioinspiration, Simulation, and Physical Realization.

Dylan Shah¹, Bilige Yang¹, Sam Kriegman²

¹School of Engineering & Applied Science, Yale University, 9 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)

|September 21, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study reviews robots that change shape, inspired by biological systems. These adaptable robots can reconfigure their structure and control for enhanced functionality in dynamic environments.

Keywords:

anatomical homeostasis evolutionary robotics morphing robots reconfigurable robots regeneration smart materials soft robotics synthetic morphogenesis

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Last Updated: Dec 8, 2025

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Published on: July 8, 2013

Bioinspired Soft Robot with Incorporated Microelectrodes

Bioinspired Soft Robot with Incorporated Microelectrodes

Published on: February 28, 2020

Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Published on: December 3, 2015

Area of Science:

Robotics and Artificial Systems
Biomimicry and Adaptive Materials

Background:

Biological systems exhibit dynamic plasticity, adapting structure and control for environmental changes and damage.
Artificial systems lack this dynamic plasticity, limiting their robustness in natural environments.
Inspiration from regenerating and metamorphosing organisms is driving advancements in adaptive robotics.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a literature overview of robots capable of changing their physical structure.
To discuss the challenges and innovations required for developing next-generation shape-changing robots.

Main Methods:

Literature review of research on robots that alter their physical form.
Analysis of advancements in multifunctional materials, distributed sensing and actuation, and somatic control.

Main Results:

Robots are being designed to edit their own structure for task efficiency and adaptability.
New algorithms are being developed to control these dynamic robot anatomies.
Key challenges identified include shape sensing, shape finding, and shape changing.

Conclusions:

Shape-changing robots offer a pathway to artificial systems with enhanced functionality and adaptability.
Innovations in materials, sensing, actuation, and control are crucial for realizing the potential of these robots.
Future research should focus on overcoming grand challenges in shape manipulation for robust robotic operation.