Light-driven soft robot achieves autonomous continuous leaping
andrew_n_carr · x · 2026-09-01
Researchers demonstrate a millimeter-scale self-resetting soft ring that achieves autonomous continuous leaping under uniform infrared light. Made of liquid crystal elastomer and a rigid tail, the robot twists under light to store energy and snaps to jump. By tuning geometric asymmetry, it transitions between crawling, directional leaping, and vertical jumps exceeding 80 body heights.
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