Making robots from Vietnamese rice paper

Scientists have discovered how to make robots from Vietnamese rice paper, opening up entirely new possibilities for robotic applications.

Vietnamese rice paper used to make robots in the UK

PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

A research team from the University of Bristol (UK) has just discovered how to make robots using Vietnamese rice paper, an ingredient commonly used to make spring rolls and many other dishes, opening up a new potential in robot applications.

According to the team, rice paper is comparable in strength and softness to silicone, a material commonly used in soft robots. What’s more, rice paper has the added advantage of being biodegradable, non-toxic, and even edible.

"Our research opens up the opportunity for anyone to experiment, create and innovate in the field of soft robotics in their own home in a sustainable way," the Independent recently quoted expert Christine Braganza from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Bristol as saying.

“This also gives researchers a new approach to prototyping and is a promising technology for applications in agriculture and reforestation, such as seeding in hard-to-reach areas,” says Braganza.

Other initial applications noted by the team include the culinary field, and they are now hoping to build a robot from the material that can move on its own.

The field of soft robotics is a growing one and has seen several breakthroughs in recent months, including a four-legged machine that can walk immediately after being 3D printed.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh (UK) said this design has overcome the limitations in large-scale production, a factor that has hindered the widespread application of soft robots.

Soft robotics technology has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of fields, including biomedicine, nuclear decommissioning, and space exploration.

The materials used in their fabrication allow soft robots to better adapt to different environments, and in some cases even have the ability to self-heal.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/che-tao-ro-bot-bang-banh-trang-viet-nam-185250708091348679.htm