Tech

Self-regulating soft oscillators power flexible robots without rigid electronics

Share
Share
Self-regulating soft oscillators enable battery-powered motion in soft robots
Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology

Soft robots are known for their flexibility and adaptability, but most still rely on rigid electronic components for control and timing. A recent publication from researchers at Georgia Tech challenges that paradigm.

Noah Kohls, Ph.D. ME 2024, and Ellen Yi Chen Mazumdar, assistant professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, recently published a new study featured on the cover of Advanced Materials Technologies. The paper describes the development of the first self-regulating soft electromagnetic oscillators. These actuators are also the first to operate using only a battery—no external microcontrollers, pumps, or logic circuits are required.

“We wanted to design a soft system that could perform realistic tasks while being fully self-contained,” said Kohls. “By embedding control into the structure itself, we reduce the need for bulky, rigid electronics.”

The team’s approach draws from both biology and traditional electromechanical systems. Inspired by the peristaltic motion of earthworms, the researchers developed soft linear and rotary actuators capable of producing complex motion through a combination of silicone structures, custom-compliant magnets, and liquid metal conductors. These actuators can perform various tasks, including driving a robotic car, running a fan, actuating a pump, and propelling underwater while remaining flexible and deformable.

This new class of soft electromagnetic oscillators can produce rhythmic motion and coordination, similar to how a clock regulates timing in traditional systems. These oscillators allow soft robots to move—by crawling, hopping, or swimming—using only a low-voltage power source (5 to 20 volts) and achieving higher frequencies (20 to 40 hertz) than comparable soft actuators.

These forms of movement could be helpful in applications in navigating dynamic environments where compliance and a small form factor are necessary, such as inside the human body.

“My goal was to create a soft, power-efficient, and self-contained system capable of complex locomotion and autonomous operation, ideal for applications in robotics, haptics, and medical devices,” said Kohls.

Kohls’ interest in robotics began while working on his undergraduate senior capstone project, during which he designed and built a custom robot to help his family’s plant nursery, Firehouse Nursery. Every spring, they would plant more than 10,000 cuttings by hand, and Kohls saw the opportunity to combine his love for plants and fascination with automation by making a robot that could help the business.

“That early project showed me the power of robotics to improve everyday tasks,” said Kohls. “Now I’m excited to work on systems that could one day improve lives in even more impactful ways.”

More information:
Noah D. Kohls et al, Soft Electromagnetic Actuator and Oscillator, Advanced Materials Technologies (2024). DOI: 10.1002/admt.202400982

Provided by
Georgia Institute of Technology


Citation:
Self-regulating soft oscillators power flexible robots without rigid electronics (2025, May 19)
retrieved 19 May 2025
from

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Share

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles
AI chip developed for decentralized use without the cloud
Tech

AI chip developed for decentralized use without the cloud

The new AI chip is mounted on circuit board by Prof. Hussam’s...

Determining building risks associated with land subsidence in the Netherlands
Tech

Determining building risks associated with land subsidence in the Netherlands

The selected 3D modeling approaches, (a) the simplified coupled model consisting of...

Microsoft is bringing Elon Musk’s AI models to its cloud
Tech

Microsoft is bringing Elon Musk’s AI models to its cloud

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Microsoft Corp. is adding models from Elon Musk’s...