Reprogrammable, intelligent soft origami LEGO coupling actuation, computation, and sensing

Abstract

Tightly integrating actuation, computation, and sensing in soft materials allows soft robots to respond autonomously to their environments. However, fusing these capabilities within a single soft module in an efficient, programmable, and compatible way is still a significant challenge. Herein, we introduce a strategy for integrating actuation, computation, and sensing capabilities in soft origami. Unified and plug-and-play soft origami modules can be reconfigured into diverse morphologies with specific functions or reprogrammed into a variety of soft logic circuits, similar to “Lego” bricks. We then built an untethered autonomous soft turtle that is able to sense stimuli, store data, process information, and perform swimming movements. The function multiplexing and signal compatibility of the origami minimize the number of soft devices, thereby reducing the complexity and redundancy of soft robots. Moreover, this origami also exhibits strong damage-resistance and high durability. We envision that this work will offer an effective way to readily create on-demand soft robots that can operate in unknown environments.