This Elephant-Inspired Robot Walks on 3D Printed Muscles and Bones
A new elephant-inspired robot, designed by Professor Josie Hughes and her team at EPFL in Switzerland, uses a groundbreaking approach inspired by elephant anatomy to combine strength and flexibility using a single 3D printed material. By manipulating internal lattice structures, the robot can mimic the varying stiffness and strength found in natural animal movements. The robot features a soft, flexible trunk and strong legs, achieved through innovative techniques like Topology Regulation and Superposition Programming. This design method allows for custom movement and strength in robot parts without the need for multiple materials. The robot showcases the potential for future robotics research and applications in various fields beyond mimicking elephants.