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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 13, 2026

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

A parallel-legged insect-scale robot based on actuation-structure integrated origami mechanism.

Qunwei Zhu^1,2, Tao Jiang^3,4, Zirong Luo^5,6

¹College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China.

Microsystems & Nanoengineering

|March 12, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces PLioBot, a novel insect-scale robot with an integrated origami mechanism for confined space exploration. It offers versatile locomotion and payload capabilities, paving the way for advanced micro-robotics.

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Last Updated: Mar 13, 2026

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

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Published on: December 3, 2015

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Published on: June 10, 2020

Area of Science:

Robotics
Micro-robotics
Origami engineering

Background:

Insect-scale robots offer unique access to confined spaces for applications like disaster relief.
Integrated fabrication and formation remain challenges for current insect-scale piezoelectric robots.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose and demonstrate a novel parallel-legged insect-scale origami robot (PLioBot) with an integrated mechanism.
To develop an improved lamination process for efficient fabrication of micro-robots.

Main Methods:

Design and fabrication of the PLioBot using an improved lamination process for its integrated origami mechanism.
Testing locomotion capabilities, including forward, backward, and turning movements, on various surfaces and inclines.
Evaluating payload capacity and navigation through confined spaces and complex terrains.

Main Results:

PLioBot achieved a maximum velocity of 44.6 cm/s (17.84 body lengths/s) and could climb slopes up to 12°.
The robot successfully navigated confined spaces, carried a 1.4 g payload, and demonstrated mobility on diverse surfaces (grass, sand, stone).
PLioBot exhibited both submerged and surface water locomotion capabilities.

Conclusions:

The PLioBot, with its integrated origami mechanism and enhanced lamination process, presents a novel approach for assembly-free fabrication of insect-scale robots.
This research advances the design and manufacturing of micro-robots for exploration and access in challenging environments.