If you are a movie fan, you probably know that Transfomers are a type of robots which can take on different forms and shapes in order to hide their actual nature. Until recently, they were considered to be nothing more than a product of Hollywood fiction. Now, however, a group of scientists has announced that they have managed to create a real-life Transformer inspired origami robot.
You may be disappointed to learn that, but the robot is not referred to as a Transformer. Instead, the MIT and Harvard scientists who designed it called the thing a self-assembling robot. It is unique for its ability to take various forms by folding itself like a piece of paper. In addition, it can even move without requiring any assistance from humans.
The Transformer robot is made of something like a sheet of material made of plastic and paper and it has motors and batteries attached to one of its sides. The material is then heated which causes it to fold and unfold. That allows the bug-like robot to perform various actions on its own, including to fold its legs and entire body or even to stand up. However, since its movement abilities rely mainly on the temperature change of the material, it takes a while before it gets ready for action. Once ready, it can move with a speed of 5.4 cm per second.
The Practical Side
Robots are usually created with a purpose and that is also the case with the self-assembling Transformer. The team behind the invention has the ambition to create a robot that can be both fast and cheap to produce. The origami robot is close enough to this concept. It can move with a decent speed and it is very affordable to make. In addition, since it does to require human assistance, it is very easy to use.
But will these self-assembling robots find a place in the real world or will they simply remain an innovative and strange-looking gadget? According to the scientists that have created the Transformer, it can have a very practical side. They are confident that after a few modifications, the origami robot can be used for space exploration, for example. That is because it is easy to transport, cheap to produce and will assemble itself on its own. Also, the machine is suitable for use in more dangerous and unfriendly environments, as well as in confined spaces.
Mass Market Outlooks
On the other hand, we cannot help but wonder whether the origami robot will find its way to the mass market? After all, it is cheap to make and can be used for various purposes. Maybe they can even have the potential to turn into a trendy children’s toy. Kids love robots and the popularity of the Transformer films will certainly give it an additional push.
Still, for now, all of this remains a possibility of the future. Yet, if you feel that you cannot wait to get your hands on such a robot, you can always try out the alternatives which are currently available. As a start, go to a technology exhibition event. For instance, GITEX 2014 is just a couple of months away. The event has witnessed various robotic creations like the humanoid dancing and singing robot which kept GITEX visitors entertained few years ago.
Another option you have is to buy yourself a robot! You’d be surprised to see that Amazon offers quite a lot of them. Some of these robotic products are even among the retailer’s best-selling items. Therefore, you can expect them to witness a major price cut around the start of the holiday season and more specifically during this year’s Black Friday.
