New robotic sheet morphs in real time with heat and smart sensors

Researchers at KAIST have developed a groundbreaking programmable robotic sheet capable of real-time shape-shifting, crawling, folding, and gripping without mechanical hinges or external reconstruction. This flexible polymer sheet is embedded with a dense network of metallic resistors that serve dual functions as heaters and sensors, enabling heat-activated folding and real-time feedback control. Unlike traditional folding robots that rely on fixed hinges and predetermined folding paths, this sheet can be reprogrammed on the fly via software commands to change its shape and function autonomously, demonstrating folding angles from -87° to 109° and operating across temperatures from 30°C to 170°C. The system integrates artificial intelligence techniques, including genetic algorithms and deep neural networks, to enhance adaptability and decision-making in response to environmental changes. This closed-loop control enables the sheet to exhibit “morphological intelligence,” where its shape dynamically contributes to its functionality. Demonstrations included the sheet crawling like a biological organism and adjusting its grip on various objects. Future improvements aim to increase