Small-Scale Soft Terrestrial Robot with Electrically Driven Multi-Modal Locomotion Capability

Small-scale soft robots, despite their potential for adaptability in unknown environments, often encounter performance constraints due to inherent limitations within soft actuators and compact bodies. To address this problem, we proposed a fast-moving soft robot driven by electroactive materials. The robot combines the advantages of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) and shape memory alloy (SMA) spring actuators, enabling its high-performance multi-modal locomotion in a small and lightweight design. Theoretical models were constructed for both DEAs and SMA spring actuators to analyze the performance of the designed robot. The robot's design parameters were optimized based on these models to improve its running and jumping performance. The designed robot has a size of 40 × 45 × 25 mm and a weight of 3.5 g. The robot can achieve a running speed of 91 mm/s, ascend a 9° slope, and execute turning motions via an asymmetrical actuation of SMA spring actuators. The robot also demonstrates high-performance jumping motions with a maximum jumping height of 80 mm and the ability to jump over a 40 mm high obstacle. This work introduces a novel approach to designing small-scale soft terrestrial robots, enhancing their agility and mobility in obstacle-laden environments.