Robo-Armadillo (IMAGE)
Caption
The robo-armadillo consists of three layers. The outer layer, or exoskeleton, consists of a series of segmented, curved scales which are made from a 3-D printed resin. The middle, “sensing and actuation” layer, consists of four parts: a liquid-crystal elastomer, that contracts when heated; a strain sensor made of elastic polymer embedded with silver nanowires; a layer of kapton tape that expands when heated; and then a thin layer of conductive fabric that serves as a “heater” layer. Lastly, there is an endoskeleton layer that consists of heavy-duty paper folded into a series of ridges, which hold a row of rigid polymer “segmental scales” in place.
Credit
Jianyu Zhou, NC State University
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given.
License
Original content