{"id":6409,"date":"2016-03-22T08:31:27","date_gmt":"2016-03-22T08:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kurzweilai.net\/?p=276591"},"modified":"2016-03-23T08:57:39","modified_gmt":"2016-03-23T08:57:39","slug":"a-morphing-metal-for-soft-robots-and-other-machines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoo.central12.com\/fugic\/2016\/03\/22\/a-morphing-metal-for-soft-robots-and-other-machines\/","title":{"rendered":"A morphing metal for soft robots and other machines"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Morphed configurations that demonstrate the composite’s ability to hold bent (A), twisted (B), relaxed (C), and elongated (D) positions at room temperature (credit: Ilse M. Van Meerbeek et al.\/Advanced Materials)<\/p><\/div>\n

Cornell University engineering professor Rob Shepherd and his group have developed a hybrid material combining a stiff metal called Field\u2019s metal and a soft, porous\u00a0silicone foam. Think T-1000 Terminator.<\/p>\n

The material combines the best properties of both — stiffness when it\u2019s called for, and elasticity when a change of shape is required. The material also has the ability to self-heal following damage.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you want a robot, or any machine, to be stiff,\u201d said Shepherd. \u201cBut when you make them stiff, they can\u2019t morph their shape very well. To give a soft robot both capabilities, to be able to morph their structure but also to be stiff and bear load, that\u2019s what this material does.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to its low melting point of 144 degrees Fahrenheit, Field\u2019s metal was chosen because, unlike similar alloys, it contains no lead, making it biocompatible.<\/p>\n