A research team from Tsinghua University in Beijing has made a major breakthrough in micro-robot technology. They developed a shape-morphing actuator that allows robots to shift and lock into various forms in real time. This new actuator, detailed in Nature Machine Intelligence, significantly boosts environmental adaptability for micro-robots.
Professor Zhang Yihui from Tsinghua’s School of Aerospace Engineering led the team. He explained that their design uses a thin-film actuator that works like a robot’s exoskeleton. The actuator enables continuous transformation and shape locking, even at very small scales.Zhang emphasized the difficulty of making untethered micro-robots that can morph complex shapes. Most existing actuators under five centimeters cannot morph and lock continuously. This limitation restricts mobility and functionality for mini-robots.
However, Tsinghua’s shape-morphing actuator changes the game. It measures only a few millimeters yet supports sensors and motors. Despite its size, it morphs into different shapes and locks into place using electrical control. This feature sets it apart from earlier technologies. Using a Lego-inspired design, the researchers built the world’s smallest and lightest untethered micro-robot. The robot measures just 9 centimeters and weighs 25 grams. It moves on land at speeds up to 1.6 meters per second and can also fly.
The team also introduced a mini “Transformer” robot, standing 4.5 centimeters high and weighing only 0.8 grams. It uses more than ten actuator units. They designed another robot that shifts between “sports car,” “winged car,” and “van” modes, showcasing impressive versatility.Drawing inspiration from grasshoppers and other insects, the researchers included biological motion patterns in their robots. This approach helps improve agility and energy efficiency.
According to Zhang, the shape-morphing actuator opens new doors in many fields. It could support geological surveys, hazardous operations, and medical diagnostics. The actuator may also lead to deployable implants and realistic VR/AR haptic feedback systems.As the team continues its work, the shape-morphing actuator remains central to next-generation micro-robot development. Future robots will be faster, lighter, and smarter—thanks to this transformative technology.
