self camouflaging soft-robots by harvard university

image © DARPA

researchers at harvard university have developed a walking soft robot for DARPA that has the ability to disguise itself within its environment. the system consists of microfluidic networks which are used for camouflaging or displaying various color layers contained in thin silicone sheets. a variety of heated or cooled dyes, chemiluminescent and fluorescent solutions and water can be pumped through these channels to adjust temperature, causing the unit to alter and conceal its appearance. the demonstration is based off organisms and systems in nature that use bioluminescence to communicate, achieving a similar glowing effect by pumping these pigmented solutions through its layered channels.

the structure of the robot is connected to a series of tethers which attach to a control system where pressurized gases and liquids are pumped into the device at a rate of 2.25 milliliters per minute, changing its color within 30 seconds. this operation reduces the size and weight of such robots by leaving power sources and pumps off-board, requiring no power to sustain the luminous layers.

video © DARPA

self camouflaging soft robots by harvard university robot walking with its fluid canals filled in red image © harvard university

self camouflaging soft robots by harvard university demonstration of the filled colored layers image © DARPA

video © harvard university