Starblocks: Soft actuated self-connecting blocks for building deformable lattice structures

L Zhao, Y Wu, W Yan, W Zhan, X Huang… - IEEE Robotics and …, 2023 - ieeexplore.ieee.org
IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, 2023ieeexplore.ieee.org
In this paper, we present a soft modular block inspired by tensegrity structures that can form
load-bearing structures through self-assembly. The block comprises a stellated compliant
skeleton, shape memory alloy muscles, and permanent magnet connectors. We classify five
deformation primitives for individual blocks: bend, compress, stretch, stand, and shrink,
which can be combined across modules to reason about full-lattice deformation.
Hierarchical function is abundant in nature and in human-designed systems. Using multiple …
In this paper, we present a soft modular block inspired by tensegrity structures that can form load-bearing structures through self-assembly. The block comprises a stellated compliant skeleton, shape memory alloy muscles, and permanent magnet connectors. We classify five deformation primitives for individual blocks: bend, compress, stretch, stand, and shrink, which can be combined across modules to reason about full-lattice deformation. Hierarchical function is abundant in nature and in human-designed systems. Using multiple self-assembled lattices, we demonstrate the formation and actuation of 3-dimensional shapes, including a load-bearing pop-up tent, a self-assembled wheel, a quadruped, a block-based robotic arm with gripper, and non-prehensile manipulation. To our knowledge, this is the first example of active deformable modules (blocks) that can reconfigure into different load-bearing structures on-demand.
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