Hyperelastic rubber soft robots mimic mantis shrimp-level punch, flea-like leaps
A flexible joint releases stored energy under compression, enabling strong, repetitive motions with a simple tendon-motor setup.
research team has developed the “hyperelastic torque reversal mechanism” (HeTRM), inspired by natural principles, allowing robots made of rubber-like materials to perform rapid, powerful movements.
By leveraging hyperelasticity, a team at the Seoul National University created a torque-reversal mechanism in a soft joint that produces repetitive cilia-like motions through an embedded tendon.
The HeTRM shows a temporary switch between two states when a certain amount of pressure is applied, with a quick change happening when the pressure reaches a specific point.
According to researchers, the breakthrough enhances the performance of soft robots, enabling more efficient and dynamic actions.