Isochoric snapping of elastomeric spherical caps enables fast actuation in fluidic soft robots.

Abstract Inflatable structures have become essential components in the design of soft robots and deployable systems as they enable dramatic shape change from a single pressure inlet. This simplicity, however, often brings strict limitation: unimodal deformation upon inflation. Here, multistability is embraced to modular, inflatable that can switch between distinct modes response input signal. system comprises bistable origami modules which used trigger snap‐through transition state...

Abstract Flexible metamaterials have been increasingly harnessed to create functionality through their tunable and unconventional response. Herein, chiral unit cells based on Archimedean spirals are employed transform a linear displacement into twisting. First, the effect of geometry such extension‐twisting coupling is investigated. This unravels wide range highly nonlinear behaviors that can be programmed. Additionally, it demonstrated by combining with polarizing films one mechanical...

Abstract Inspired by the recent success of buckling‐induced reconfigurable structures, a new class deployable systems that harness buckling curved beams upon rotational input is proposed. First, experimental and numerical methods are combined to investigate influence beam's geometric parameters on its non‐linear response. Then, it shown wide range architectures can be realized combining beams. Finally, proposed principles used build furniture such as tables lamp shades flat/compact for...

Abstract The substantial deformation exhibited by hyperelastic cylindrical shells under pressurization makes them an ideal platform for programmable inflatable structures. If negative pressure is applied, the shell will buckle, leading to a sequence of rich modes, all which are fully recoverable due material choice. While initial buckling event vacuum well understood, here, post‐buckling regime explored and region in design space identified coupled twisting‐contraction mode occurs; carefully...

Developing engineering systems that rely on flow-induced reconfiguration, the phenomenon where a structure deforms under flow to reduce its drag, requires design tools can predict behavior of these flexible structures. Current methods include using fully coupled computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis solvers or highly specialized theories for specific geometries. Coupled numerical are computationally expensive use non-trivial setup, while difficult generalize take long time...

Bistable mechanical systems exhibit two stable configurations where the elastic energy is locally minimized. To realize such systems, origami techniques have been proposed as a versatile platform to design deployable structures with both compact and functional states. Conceptually, bistable motif composed of two-dimensional surfaces connected by one-dimensional fold lines. This leads exhibiting zero-energy local minima. Physically, origami-inspired are three-dimensional, comprising facets...

The ancient art of origami, traditionally used to transform simple sheets into intricate objects, also holds potential for diverse engineering applications, such as shape morphing and robotics. In this study, we demonstrate that one the most basic origami structures (i.e., a rigid, foldable degree-four vertex) can be engineered create crawler capable navigating complex paths using only single input. Through combination experimental studies modeling, show modifying geometry degree four vertex...

Multistable mechanical metamaterials are an emerging class of materials whose intricate internal structure can be engineered to program properties and promote reversible transitions between multiple stable states energy. In this work, the design a metamaterial based on assembly bistable von Mises trusses is presented. It shown that coupling two induces geometric frustration, which leads asymmetry states. Then combined build unit cell change effective stiffness in compression when switching...

Mechanical Metamaterials In article number 2214897, Katia Bertoldi, Antonio Elia Forte, and co-workers depict zoom-in on a pixel of their mechanical display that can modulate light through the programmable elastic deformation chiral metamaterials.

Inflatable Origami In article number 2201891, Katia Bertoldi and co-workers take inspiration from origami to create inflatable structures that deploy in intricate, distinct ways using only one pressure signal. The building blocks of the system are modified, bistable versions Kresling motif, which can be assembled (as shown here) unlock complex shapes deformations pre-programmed.

Recently, inflatable elements integrated in robotics systems have enabled complex motions as a result of simple inputs. However, these fluidic actuators typically exhibit unimodal deformation upon inflation. Here, we present new design concept for modular, that can switch between modes response to an input threshold. Our system comprises bistable origami modules which snapping breaks rotational symmetry, giving access bending deformation. By tuning geometry, the be designed snap at different...