Scientists at the Swiss Federal Technological Institute in Lausanne (EPFL), with financial support from the European Space Agency (ESA), have created a robot named Mori3, which has the potential to transport goods, interact with people and accept a variety of sizes and shapes. The robot has triangular modules that can be connected to form three-dimensional nets, creating various structures suitable for specific tasks and environments.
Inspired by origami and the concept of polygonal mesh from the digital world, Mori3 bears resemblance to Tars, the robot from the movie “Interstellar” which could change shape according to the situation. According to the published study in Nature Machine Intelligence, the Mori3 robot is modular and can be assembled and sorted out depending on the environment and task at hand.
Director of the laboratory of recruited robotics, Jamie Page added, “Our goal with Mori3 is to create a modular, Origami-like robot that can be assembled and sorted out at will depending on the environment and the task performed. Mori3 can change its size, shape, and function.”
Modular robots that can perform different functions save space and weight on spaceships where storage space is limited. Scientists are hopeful that Mori3 robots will be used for the purposes of communication and external repairs of spacecraft.
Apart from space missions, the Mori3 robot may have other applications; it can be used as assistant personal devices such as toys or prostheses. It is also useful for creating dynamic 3D models and functional structures like bridges, buildings or furniture. The robot may also be used in training for geometry and robotics with visual and tactile feedback.
The versatility and flexibility of the Mori3 robot are some of the reasons it has been described as a promising design for future space missions and other applications.